Police probe boatyard blast death

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 21-year-old man who died in an explosion at a boatyard. Benjamin Pinkham, from Saltash, east Cornwall, died after suffering 83% burns in the industrial accident.

Following a conference today between the Health and Safety Executive and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, the police have announced they will investigate the death.

Mr Pinkham was cleaning inside a 10m by 6m tank at Princess Yachts International in Plymouth when the explosion occurred.

A firefighter said at the time that the inside of the tank became engulfed in a "fireball" from which Mr Pinkham could not escape.

A police spokesman said: "Following a meeting under agreed protocols with the Health and Safety Executive, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Benjamin Pinkham.

"This investigation is being carried out to ascertain if any criminal offences have been committed. It is being conducted as a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive."

Mr Pinkham's father Brian, 41, described his son as a popular man who made friends easily. He said: "He was a beautiful boy who touched people. He could walk into a room with 100 people he had never met before and after he left he would have 100 friends.

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