Rotherham families endure 'horrendous' wait for answers over power station deaths

Kenneth Cresswell and John Shaw, both from Rotherham, died when Didcot power station in Oxfordshire collapsed while they were demolishing it one year ago today.

Mr Cresswell, aged 57, from Clifton and Mr Shaw, 61, from Kimberworth, were among four demolition workers killed in the collapse.

It took months for their bodies to be recovered from the remains of the power plant after they were trapped under 20,000 tonnes of rubble.

Thames Valley Police, supported by the Health and Safety Executive, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse but Mr Cresswell's family said the wait for answers is 'horrendous'.

His wife, Gail, said: "We know nothing. The last time we heard from the HSE was in November. It’s horrendous.”

Keith Cundall, a specialist workplace accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents the Rotherham families, said: “The tragic disaster that occurred at the Didcot Power Station last February will live long in the memories of those who witnessed it and those who lost family and friends.

“The lives of the families we represent have been changed forever and the uncertainty about the current situation continues to cause them an unbelievable amount of distress, particularly after the ordeal they went through before their loved ones were finally recovered.

“The families want to know why this terrible event occurred and we will support them in getting the answers they deserve.

“As the anniversary passes it is a timely reminder that it has been a year since the accident and the families are still battling for answers.”

Thames Valley Police is leading the probe and responsible for family liaison.