Total held liable over Buncefield blast

23/03/2009

French energy firm Total has been held liable for damages relating to the large blast at the Buncefield oil refinery in Hertfordshire in 2005.

In a high court hearing, the residing judge ruled that the company will be held solely liable for damages and reparations which could reach £750 million.

A collective claim was brought against the company by a consortium of around 600 businesses and 2,000 local residents whose properties were damaged in the blast.

In the weeks that followed, there was a notable shortfall in the supply of jet fuel and residential heating oil that is usually processed at the plant for distribution in London and the south-east.

The explosion is believed to be the largest in peacetime Europe and it was reportedly heard in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Total was criticised for its lack of risk management and the poor operational standards at the plant.

However, the group is rejecting the ruling, insisting that the operator of the site Hertfordshire Oil Storage should be held liable.