Didcot power station demolition cuts electricity to 40,000 homes
Written by News on 19/08/2019
The remains of a coal-fired power station where four workers were killed after it collapsed three years ago have been demolished – but 40,000 homes in the area were left without power.
The demolition of Didcot A plant took place early this morning and the residents had their power cut out from 7am.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said in a statement that power had been restored to the 40,000 customers affected by 8.20am.
A statement said that an investigation was under way and that the company was “working with all relevant authorities.”
Videos on social media show the demolition, and moments later overhead power cables short out in a bright flash.
Christopher Huxtable, 33, from Swansea, South Wales; Kenneth Cresswell, 57, and John Shaw, 61, both from Rotherham, South Yorkshire; and Michael Collings, 53, from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Teesside, died after the partial collapse of the boiler house at the Didcot A plant in February 2016.
Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive had launched a joint investigation to consider corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety offences.
Didcot A ceased operation in 2013 after running for 43 years.
Three of its towers were demolished in 2014.
(c) Sky News 2019: Didcot power station demolition cuts electricity to 40,000 homes
