Avonmouth explosion: Dad’s heartbreaking tribute to ‘best mate’ son, 16, who was one of four killed as silo exploded
THE devastated father of a 16-year-old boy killed when a chemical silo exploded today paid tribute to his "best mate".
Luke Wheaton was one of four people killed when the blast unfolded at the Wessex Water site in Avonmouth, near Bristol, on Thursday morning.
And his dad Matt Wheaton today paid tribute to his teen son, saying he was "so proud" of what his son had achieved in his 16 years.
He wrote: "You gave me and mum 16 great years it should have been many many more.
"A big hole has been put into our hearts and will never ever be filled, you were and will always be the big part in our hearts that now is not there.
"You gave so much to any event laughter /fun by your words, jokes, comments.
"We will miss you and will always love you for the rest of our lives and I hope will carry on beyond.
"You were my son, my best mate, my drinking partner, my minder and much much more Mums gorgeous babe, everything wished for in a son.";
The grieving dad then thanked the community for our support.
He added: "We are so proud of you in what you have achieved in your short life.
"You were so proud to get an apprenticeship and wear your uniform and it should of lasted for more than 3 months.
"God bless Luke our great son we wish you were still with us in life and not soul."
Luke was killed at the Wessex Water's Bristol water recycling centre on Thursday last week, along with Michael James, 64, Brian Vickery, 63, and Raymond White, 57.
The explosion, involving one of the chemical tanks at the sewage processing plant, was described as like "a bomb".
One man's body was found in the lake while the other three victims were reportedly found close to the wrecked chemical tank.
An eyewitness said of the victims: "They didn’t stand a chance.”
And a : "A silo blew up as the men were working on it.
"They have been looking for the bodies and found one 150 metres away in a lake. There are four dead and one injured who could walk away from the scene.”
Police rushed to the scene on Thursday morning after the blast - since launching an investigation into just what happened.
Avon and Somerset Police Supt Simon Brickwood said: “An investigation has been launched into the causes of the explosion, with the support of partner agencies and the Health and Safety Executive.
"This is likely to be ongoing for some time and we will be keeping the victims’ families informed throughout."
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Wessex Water Chief Executive Colin Skellett said: “We are all absolutely devastated by what has happened. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives during the tragic event on Thursday.
“I know from the thoughts and comments I have received from so many, that this has affected the whole Wessex Water family.
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“I know Avonmouth, I worked there for many years, and I know the people, some of whom have lost their lives during this terrible incident.”
