5 January 2009
UK: Prosecutions following Buncefield terminal explosion
Criminal charges against five companies are brought forward for the fire at the Buncefield oil storage terminal
The government's Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency have launched criminal proceedings against five companies for alleged failings related to the large explosion and fire at the Buncefield oil storage terminal, 35 km northwest of London, in December 2005. There were no fatalities in the explosion, but over 40 people were injured and there was extensive damage to the site and the local area. Total, the operator, is charged with failing to ensure the safety of employees and non-employees, and with allowing fuel and fire-water chemicals to contaminate ground-waters. The owner of the terminal, Hertfordshire Oil Storage (HOS) – a 60:40 venture between Total and Chevron – is charge
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
