Search resumes for people missing after fire at English mill

Search teams are continuing to scour the wreckage of a devastated English mill where three workers are still missing.

Fire search and rescue workers on Sunday night found the body of one of the four workers caught up in an explosion and fire at the mill in Bosley, Cheshire, on Friday.

The families of William Barks (51), Dorothy Bailey (62), Jason Shingler (38), and Derek Moore (62) have been informed but the body has not yet been positively identified, Cheshire Police said.

All four were believed to be working in upper floors of the wood flour mill when an explosion and a fire reduced the four-storey building to rubble.

Fire and rescue teams have been to find the missing workers since the incident at about 9.10am on Friday.

But fire officials conceded that while they carry on the methodical search of the site, the chances of finding anyone alive are fading.

Next of kin

Cheshire Police said one body had been found but had not yet been positively identified by next of kin.

“The four families who are awaiting news about their family member have been informed of this development and HM Coroner has been informed,” a spokeswoman said.

“The thoughts of all the agencies involved are with the families at this time and Cheshire Police are asking members of the media to respect the family’s privacy as they try to come to terms with this latest development. ”

Paul Hancock, chief fire officer for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The whole mental psyche of the crews down at the site is they are looking for people still alive. They will not give up hope until they locate these four individuals.

“The scene down there is one of complete devastation. We have a building that has exploded from the inside and subsequently collapsed in on itself.”

Earlier fires

Details have emerged that council enforcement officers were on the site just two weeks ago to make sure the firm cleared the area after complaints of saw dust. The site was also struck by fires in 2010 and 2012.

Police said they would be working in the next few days with the company — which has yet to make any statement about the incident. They are holding a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive.

The Boden family, which owns and operate the mill and associated companies, lives in a complex of three 17th-century farmhouses in Mellor, near Stockport.

There was no reply at any of the houses when reporters called for comment.

Firefighters are expected to remain at the mill site for a number of days.

PA