MP welcomes civil court decision

Mike Penning has welcomed today’s decision that oil company Total UK was negligent over Buncefield explosion.

High Court judge, Mr Justice David Steel, has today issued a summary judgement ruling that oil company Total UK was negligent over the explosion at the Buncefield Oil Depot in December 2005.

The ruling was made during a preliminary hearing of a civil case in which victims of the explosion are suing the oil company and HOSL for millions of pounds compensation. The case is scheduled to go to full hearing in October 2008.

Reacting to the news Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, said: “I am delighted at this ruling. This devastating explosion caused major disruption and heartache for many people who live and work near the site. We were incredibly fortunate that no one was killed in the explosion, but a number of people were injured and families had their homes destroyed. The aftermath resulted in disruption for residents and businesses for many months. It is completely unacceptable for the oil companies to try to walk away from this.

“I am pleased that the oil companies are finally beginning to be held to account. This is only a first step - a civil case for compensation - we have yet to learn about any criminal prosecution that may result.”