Chevron Pembroke Deaths Update - Man Questioned over potential Manslaughter offences

A man has been questioned over potential manslaughter offences after a fatal explosion at a Pembrokeshire refinery on 2 June 2011 [see our original story and updates at http://www.crsrisk.com/blog/index.php/2011/06/four-killed-at-chevron-refinery-pembroke-dock/ and http://www.crsrisk.com/blog/index.php/2011/06/chevron-pembroke-dock-blast-2-june-2011-update/], Dyfed-Powys Police say.
Four people were killed at the Pembroke site, which at the time was owned by oil company Chevron. Julie Schmitz, 54, a fire guard from Pembroke, died alongside Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, and Andrew Jenkins, 33, all from Milford Haven. Police say questioning is part of the on-going investigation into the blast.
"Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that they interviewed a male employee of Valero Energy Limited under caution at Haverfordwest Police Station in connection with the explosion at the refinery in Pembroke," said a spokesperson. "This man was interviewed in relation to potential offences of manslaughter by gross negligence."
The deaths happened when a 730 cubic metre storage tank exploded, damaging a vessel next to it. A fifth person was also seriously injured in the blast.
Since the incident, the refinery has been sold to Valero Energy.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the interview took place on 24 January. "This development is very much part of the continuing joint police and Health & Safety Executive investigation which is of an extremely complex nature, and no conclusions should be drawn from it at this stage," added the police spokesperson.
An inquest into the four deaths was opened and adjourned over the summer, while the full inquiry into the explosion continues.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-16949100