A collapse at Didcot A power station in South Oxfordshire Tuesday was responsible for the death of at least one person, with three others presumed missing.
Five more were seriously injured and taken to John Radcliffe Hospital. Their injuries have been described as non-life-threatening.
In a press statement made on Wednesday, Andrew Stevens, Director of Planning and Information at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said, “We can confirm that of the five patients brought to the John Radcliffe Hospital as a result of the major incident at Didcot on Tuesday, 23rd February, one patient was discharged last night, and three further patients will be discharged today. One other patient remains with us in a stable condition.”
Dr Bruno Holthof, Chief Executive of Oxford University Hospitals, added, “I would like to thank all our staff who responded so quickly and efficiently last night to the major incident. I would also like to thank patients and visitors to our hospital for their understanding and patience as we dealt with the situation.”
The Didcot A site has been in a state of disrepair and disuse since operations ceased in March 2013. Demolitions of its six cooling towers have been ongoing since last year.
The firm responsible for preparing the demolition, Coleman and Company, had never been responsible for taking down a power station previously.
In a corporate video posted to YouTube in December, project director Kieran Conaty said, “The client was made aware that this was our first power station – we’d never done anything like this. But we’re that type of a company that we learn to adapt.”
The search continues for the three who are missing after the accident. Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue service Chief fire officer Dave Etheridge said in a statement on Wednesday, “We are working with structural engineers and demolition experts to establish a safe way of working on site. In addition, the military is supporting the search for the missing people.
“They will be using a mini remote control vehicle to assist with the search for survivors at the site. This provides us with enhanced capability and their equipment and expertise will be invaluable.”
