A dad who died in a fatal blast at a Perth recycling centre previously raised fears over safety, it has been claimed.
Slawomir Szmeichel, also known as Sławek, 45, tragically died during the incident at Shore recycling centre on Friarton Road on Tuesday, February 28. Emergency services raced to the facility after receiving a report at 12.45am, but Mr Szmeichel was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man, aged 41, was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where he has since been discharged. Following the tragedy, the Crown Office and Health and Safety Executive joined forces with fire and police services in investigating the circumstances of the explosion.
Inquiries remain ongoing, however it is understood that the blaze is the third to have taken place at the recycling centre in the last two years. A statement released through Mr Szmeichel's family solicitor details that the father had raised concerns over safety at the facility prior to his death.
Jayne Crawford, a senior partner with Thompsons Solicitors who represents the Szmeichel family, said: “The family understand multiple agencies are now involved in the investigation into Mr Szmeichel's tragic death. Whilst they await the outcome of those investigations it is alarming to note this is the latest in a number of serious incidents at the Shore Recycling plant.
"Mr Szmeichel himself had previously raised safety concerns. Clearly something has gone deeply wrong at this facility and the family of Mr Szmeichel and the other workers who were injured deserve answers.”
However, Shore Recycling has refuted these claims as well as other speculation which they have said is mostly "inaccurate".
In a statement on Tuesday (March 7) the company said: "Shore Recycling will not comment on the extensive speculation and statements (many of which are not accurate) as this is more likely to cause distress rather than help many of those who have been adversely affected.
"Further comment will be provided at the point there is substantive information to be shared”.
Mr Szmeichel's heartbroken loved ones paid tribute to their "loved husband, dad, brother and son" on Monday night.
A statement released by the family through Police Scotland reads: “We're heartbroken with the sudden loss of our loved husband, Dad, brother, son, and friend, without whom our lives will never be the same. Sławek will remain in our thoughts and our hearts forever.”
Shore Recycling Ltd, which deals with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), meaning any product with a plug, cable or battery including fridge, was founded in 2001. The firm is owned by Dunning- based Scottish butcher and businessman, Simon Howie, and employs 68 people.
It is the only facility in Scotland capable of recycling fridges. In April 2021, four fire crews spent over four hours extinguishing the premises' first fire.
The alarm was raised again at the facility at 4.30am on September 4, 202 after a fire self-ignited in a pile of electrical waste.
The company told the Record that they are "devastated" by the recent events that everyone "needs answers" to. They have advised staff that the site is closed for the time being.
“The Shore Recycling team remain devastated by the recent major incident. The many messages of condolences and offers of support from friends, community and industry partners are much appreciated by all.
"At this time the company is focused on supporting the ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident, which everyone affected needs and deserves answers to."
Detective Inspector James Callander, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Sławek’s family and friends at what is a very difficult time for them. Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what has happened and these enquiries are being carried out in partnership with relevant agencies.”
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