Gas explosion victims honoured 40 years on

Residents were being shown around the underground water pumping station when the blast occurred

The victims of a pumping station explosion have been honoured with a special church service held to mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster.

A group of residents from St Michael's on Wyre in Lancashire were being shown around the Abbeystead underground water pumping station on 23 May 1984 when a massive explosion destroyed the complex.

Sixteen of the group died, with the remaining 28 needing hospital treatment.

Phil Corris, who was a police officer at the time, said "it was a scene of devastation".

Phil Corris said it was important to remember the victims

"When we got there there was just a hole in the ground," he said. "The gas had literally taken off the roof of the building and pieces were just strewn about the field."

He said it was important to remember the victims.

"A lot of people went there that night, some youngsters had gone as well.

"People lost friends and relatives and you can't just brush it away, you have to have a moment to remember."

A 44-strong party of residents was being shown around the underground water pumping station when the blast occurred.

The tour had been organised as a public relations exercise by the former North West Water Authority following concerns about flooding in the village.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the pumping station was sited close to coal seams, making it vulnerable to methane gas build-ups.