Pembroke Chevron oil refinery explosion victim tribute

Tributes have been paid to a man among four people killed in the explosion at the Pembrokeshire Chevron oil refinery.

As investigations continue into the cause, they are all being remembered at local Sunday church services, with books of condolence available.

Julie Jones, 54, of Pembroke, and Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, and Andrew Jenkins, 33, all of Milford Haven, died in Thursday's tragedy.

Mr Riley's son Lee, 28, said everyone in the area "knew and loved him".

He had just celebrated becoming a grandfather for the second time.

A fifth person is critical but stable in hospital after the blast at the huge complex in Pembroke.

All the victims had children or grown-up families. Ms Jones was a mother of one and grandmother, Mr Broome was a father-of-seven, while Mr Jenkins had young twins.

According to reports, Mr Riley's daughter-in-law gave birth to a baby boy a few weeks ago, while his daughter has a girl aged two.

His son said: "He was still celebrating having a grandson. He was the best granddad in the world as well as being the best father, the best husband and the best friend anyone could have.

"He'd do anything for anybody. Everyone around here knew and loved him."

A joint police and Health and Safety Executive investigation into the refinery blast in Pembroke Dock is taking place, but it is thought the investigation could take several weeks.

Supporting families

Chevron said the explosion happened during routine maintenance of one of its storage tanks, and the company was flying in experts from the US to assist its local investigators.

Maintenance work had been carried out on a 730 cubic metre storage tank which exploded on Thursday evening, damaging an adjacent vessel.

Det Ch Insp Martin Davies, the senior investigating officer, said on Saturday the bodies of the victims were removed from the scene on Friday evening.

He added: "Our specially trained officers have been supporting the families and next of kin of those who tragically lost their lives.

"A fifth casualty remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. The family have asked police not to release the name or any other details at this stage, and the media are kindly asked to respect the privacy of all the families affected by this incident at this difficult time."