An investigation into the Bosley mill explosions could take years to complete, an inquest has been told.
Four people were killed in the blast at Wood Treatment Limited on July 17.
Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive are involved in a joint investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
But speaking at the opening of inquests into the deaths of mill workers Dorothy Bailey, 62, from Bosley, and William Barks, 51, from Leek, Detective Inspector Simon Blackwell warned grieving families that the joint investigation “could take months potentially years to determined what happened and any culpability”.
The remains of Dorothy and Will were found in the days after the explosion and were identified using DNA analysis and dental records.
Dorothy’s body was found in the ground floor of the warehouse known as the grinder room, while the remains of Will were found on the second floor and ground floor of the same building.
Det Insp Blackwell said both suffered multiple injures and would have died ‘very, very quickly’.
An inquest into the death of Derek Moore was opened and adjourned on August 18.
The body or remains of Jason Shingler 38, from North Rode, have still not been found, three months on from the tragedy.
The inquest into their deaths were opened and adjourned at Warrington Town Hall on Monday, meaning his families can now hold funerals.
Before concluding the hearing Coroner for Cheshire Nicholas Rheinberg, who visited the scene of the explosion, paid tribute to the search teams.
He said: “I came on site in the days afterwards. Fires were still very much in evidence but the search teams carried on regardless.
They were searching is areas hard to contemplate. They had scorched faces. The dedication was remarkable.”
Speaking after the hearing Deirdre Healy, a lawyer representing the families, said: “The opening of these inquests is just the start of what will be an incredible difficult time for the families as they seek answers as to what caused the tragedy.
“We’re supporting several families affected, either from losing their loved ones or those who have suffered physical and psychological injuries because of what happened.”
The inquest was adjourned and will resume at a later date.
