The investigation to establish the cause of the explosion which killed four people and seriously injured a fifth at Chevron Refinery, Pembroke, on June 2, continues to progress.

DCI Martin Davies, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: "We are working together with the Health and Safety Executive and forensic experts at the scene to establish the cause of this tragic incident."

Family liaison officers continue to support the families of the deceased and the inquests into the deaths of Julie Schmitz (nee Jones), aged 54, a mother of one and a grandmother of one, from Pembroke; Dennis Riley, aged 52, a father of two and a grandfather, from Milford Haven; Robert Broome, aged 48, a father of seven from Milford Haven; and Andrew Jenkins, aged 33, a father of young twins from Milford Haven, were opened and adjourned on Monday at the Town Hall in Milford Haven.

A full hearing will not be heard until an official inquiry has finished. The hearing on Monday was told that the four victims were formally identified by their DNA. Investigations are continuing into the cause of the explosion which happened while a storage tank was being taken out of service for maintenance.

A further male victim remains stable at Morriston Hospital, Swansea.

The funerals of the three men will be held separately next week. The details of Ms Schmitz's funeral have not yet been made public.

First Minister

visits refinery

The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones visited the Chevron refinery in Pembrokeshire following the fatal explosion.

He met emergency workers and staff and thanked them for their hard work. The First Minister also laid flowers at the site.

The First Minister said: "I have come here to personally thank the emergency services and Chevron staff who worked tirelessly following this tragic incident. This plant plays a major part in the community, providing jobs for families across the region and the events of last week have shocked us all.

"Again I want to send my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and their colleagues. We must now let the official investigation take its course and learn any lessons from its outcome."

Government

will report 'at appropriate time'

The Welsh Government has announced it will report on the explosion at the Chevron refinery 'at the appropriate time'.

In response to an appeal for a government statement on the incident by Labour Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson, the Assembly Leader of the House confirmed that a progress report on the lessons learnt would be brought before the National Assembly following investigations.

However, Chevron has said it expects the investigation into the explosion and fire at its Pembroke refinery to be a 'lengthy process'. The company is conducting an inquiry into the incident and police, the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency are also conducting their own inquiries.

Speaking in Assembly question time, Mrs. Watson, who lives in Haverfordwest, said: "Could I express my deep sympathies for the families, friends and colleagues of Julie Schmitz, Dennis Riley, Robert Broome and Andrew Jenkins - and the person who is critical in hospital following the blast at the Chevron Oil refinery last Thursday.

"The accident has shaken Milford Haven and shocked people across Pembrokeshire, many of whom will have personal connections with the refinery and the industry, and my thoughts are with all those affected at this time."

The Mid and West Wales AM praised the quick response of emergency service workers and staff at the Chevron facility who attended the incident before asking for a government progress report on the incident: "Although the investigations into what happened are still at an early stage, I am sure Assembly Members will want to be updated on the investigation, to understand how this occurred and to be sure that any lessons will be learned - could I therefore ask that the Government allocates time for a statement and update at the appropriate time?"