Manslaughter Verdicts on Firefighter Deaths

15 December 2009 by Jim Bennett

A fireworks factory owner and his son have been convicted of the manslaughter of two firefighters killed in an explosion at an East Sussex site. The firefighters who served with East Sussex fire and rescue service, were killed in the blast at Marlie Farm in Shortgate, near Lewes on 3 December 2006. The Alfa Fireworks owner , and his son  were ‘grossly negligent’ as they knew an unlicensed metal container packed with fireworks could explode if a blaze broke out, Lewes crown court heard. They received jail sentences of seven years and five years respectively.

The company was found guilty of two breaches of Health and Safety legislation. As well as killing the two firefighters, the blast injured 20 others, mainly police and fire officers.

The jury accepted the prosecution’s case that the head of the company owed a duty of care to everyone who might come in contact with the fireworks, and that he was ‘grossly negligent’ in making arrangements for their storage.

The firework-packed metal container which exploded was unlicensed for storage by Festival Fireworks. It was argued that the potential for a huge blast should have been  evident by the company  if a blaze broke out.

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