Earlier today we held a memorial service to mark 50 years since the Queen Victoria blast furnace disaster.
Families of the victims were invited to attend the event at our Scunthorpe site, where the service was led by Pastor Tom MacDonald.
More than 20 relatives attended the service, which included readings by British Steel CEO Allan Bell, Scunthorpe MP Sir Nic Dakin, and former union leader Paul McBean who shared his memories of the fateful day.
A 2-minute silence was held as part of the ceremony. This was also observed across our business as a mark of respect for the colleagues we lost, and who were injured, in the incident.
The service was followed by a wreath laying ceremony in our gardens, where a rose has been planted in memory of those who lost their lives.
Relatives were then able to travel via an Appleby Frodingham Railway loco to gate D to view the 11 trees we have planted in memory of each life lost. The trees were blessed by Pastor MacDonald.
The event was an incredibly moving and fitting tribute to all those whose lives were, and have been, affected by the disaster 50 years ago.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event.
Our colleagues will forever be in our thoughts.