Tributes to worker killed in explosion

Michael Whinfrey, 42, from Wickersley in Rotherham, was airlifted to Leeds General Hospital following the blast at Sterecycle in Rotherham at 2.40pm on Tuesday afternoon but died three hours later from his injuries.

His friend and colleague Peter Lindon Davis, 51, from Hoyland Common in Barnsley, was also badly hurt and is being treated at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital, where his condition was yesterday described as "serious but stable."

Sterecycle chief executive Tom Shields said: "I speak for all of my staff when I say how deeply saddened I am by Michael's death.

"He was a much-valued colleague, an excellent member of staff and a fine man.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

A spokesman for the company added: "Mr Whinfrey's colleagues are extremely saddened by this news and their thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr

Whinfrey, and with those of his colleague, site operator Peter

Davis, who suffered serious injuries."

The plant in Sheffield Road was closed yesterday and will remain shut while the police and the Health and Safety Executive investigate.

It is thought that Tuesday's explosion occurred due to a "sudden loss of pressure, as a result of the failure of one of the pressure vessels used in the waste treatment process."

The blast ripped a large hole in the wall of the building, which is opposite the Magna science and adventure centre and close to the M1 motorway.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry praised Sterecycle as "innovative pioneers" following a visit to the plant just over a month ago.

The firm sterilises materials such as glass and metal prior to

recycling and also turns non-recyc

lable waste into a renewable fuel source using giant pressurised ovens.