04/28/06

HSE has issued a new report on the continuing investigation into the December 11, 2005 explosions and fire at Buncefield Oil Storage Deport.  The focus of this report is mainly on the environmental impact of the escaped fuel and firewater on land and on surface ground water. The report shows that the fuel and firewater escaped because of significant failures of the bunds, which were supposed to contain the liquids that escaped from the damaged storage tanks and firefighting waters.  The investigation is ongoing into the reasons for the failures of the bunds.

The report also emphasizes the continuing impact of the explosion and fire on the local community and local businesses, and looks ahead to the next and crucial stage of the investigation, establishing exactly how the fuel escaped and formed a flammable mixture that exploded. This information will be shared with all interested persons as quickly as possible.

Visit http://www.buncefieldinvestigation.gov.uk/reports/index.htm to read the full report.