Firms broke safety law in water pipe blast

An investigation into an explosion near a Leicestershire reservoir has found two companies broke the law.

A walker was seriously injured by the blast during water main works in Cropston in September 2022.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued letters of contravention to two contractors, CPC Civils and Pipe Testing Services.

It says there were failures in working practices and control measures.

Katie Lallo needed hospital treatment for a broken leg and suffered concussion after being hit by a slab of tarmac when the road erupted.

Ms Lallo's father, Tony Marshall, said she had the sense to cover her head and was fortunate to have survived.

Her family was told the blast happened as a water main was being pressure tested.

Two workers suffered minor injuries.

The HSE says it has now written to the two companies following its investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson said letters of contravention were issued "as breaches of law were identified".

Those breaches relate to a "method of work and a lack of industry-standard control measures that should have been in place but weren't".

The HSE has confirmed neither of the companies will be prosecuted.

Severn Trent Water, which contracted the companies, announced its own investigation.

All three firms and Ms Lallo's family have been contacted for comment about the HSE investigation.

A spokesperson for the HSE added: "We have informed the injured person of the outcome of the investigation."