28.09.2026

Seven years and still waiting

It is seven years since John Mackay, 49, an operator with Nationwide Platforms, from Edinburgh and Tommy Williams, 65, from Warwickshire died in an explosion while working from a truck mounted aerial work platform at a disused plant in Redcar, England.

Seven years on and the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) has still not completed its investigation and published a report.

Each year John Mackay’s widow Ann travels from Edinburgh to Redcar to visit the place he died. She has written the following letter/statement that we carry in full.
See:
Platform hit by explosion UPDATED
Another investigation drags on

The letter

“As I begin my journey tomorrow from Scotland to Redcar once again, as I have done every year since John was killed, I find myself reflecting on the seven years that have passed.

Every year, I return to Redcar to remember my beloved late husband, John Mackay, at the memorial site where his life was sadly taken. It is a journey I never ever imagined I would have to make, but one I will continue to make because John matters. His life mattered, and his death matters. What happened to him matters.

Tomorrow, the 19th of September 2026, marks seven years since John was killed at work in an explosion at the SSI site now Teesworks in Redcar.

- SEVEN years of heartbreak, unanswered questions and waiting for answers and accountability.

- SEVEN years on, we are still waiting for the HSE to make a decision. There has STILL been no decision on whether there will be prosecution, and the investigation continues.

I cannot put into words what it feels like to wait this long to understand what happened to someone you deeply love. No family should have to endure such a lengthy and painful investigation while waiting for answers about the death of their loved one.

John should have come home that day. He should still be here with us all.

HE DID NOT JUST DIE HE WAS TRAGICALLY KILLED.

SEVEN years later, we are still waiting….. WHY?

I will continue to always remember John, to speak his name and to ask for the answers and accountability that he and his family so deserve.

-19 September 2019 — 7 years without you. 💔

Forever loved, forever deeply missed and always in my heart. ❤️

Ann Lynch Mackay”

Vertikal Comment

Ann Mackay sums up in a moving way what we have said on numerous occasions before, that when it comes to accident investigations and reporting the UK’s HSE is an utter disgrace.

There is no other way to put it. Sadly, this is not an isolated case, you might say that it is almost typical for investigations into fatal incidents. How come the new[42915](Swedish authorities) and others can do the same thing in six months that the HSE cannot do in seven years?

It is about time this changed! The industry and its associations need to step and say enough!