Manager who survived as four died in pit held on manslaughter charge

Malcolm Fyfield, 55, was held by officers from South Wales Police investigating last month’s accident at the Gleision Colliery near Swansea. David Powell, 50, Philip Hill, 44, Garry Jenkins, 39, and Charles Breslin, 62, died after floodwater engulfed a tunnel on September 15.

Fyfield escaped from the mine and was taken to hospital. His condition was reported as critical at the time.

South Wales Police did not name the man, who was arrested in the Swansea Valley yesterday, but said the victims’ families and community leaders had been informed.

Investigation leader Detective Chief Inspector Dorian Lloyd said: “The arrest follows consultation between South Wales Police, the Health and Safety Executive and the Crown Prosecution Service to review the evidence gathered to date.

“We continue to work closely with the bereaved families throughout this process and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the communities affected by this incident for their continued support and patience.

“We will do everything possible to fully understand how these four men lost their lives.”