5 January 2009
UK: Prosecutions following Buncefield terminal explosion
Criminal charges against five companies are brought forward for the fire at the Buncefield oil storage terminal
The government's Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency have launched criminal proceedings against five companies for alleged failings related to the large explosion and fire at the Buncefield oil storage terminal, 35 km northwest of London, in December 2005. There were no fatalities in the explosion, but over 40 people were injured and there was extensive damage to the site and the local area. Total, the operator, is charged with failing to ensure the safety of employees and non-employees, and with allowing fuel and fire-water chemicals to contaminate ground-waters. The owner of the terminal, Hertfordshire Oil Storage (HOS) – a 60:40 venture between Total and Chevron – is charge
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