TRIBUTES have been paid to the two men who died during an explosion at the former SSI steelworks site, last week.

John Mackay and Tommy Williams were working on the site at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, when they were killed last Thursday (September 21).

The men had had been working at height on a cherry picker as part of the site's decommissioning, when an explosion happened at around 2pm. 

Mr Mackay, 49, of Edinburgh and was a husband, father, step-father and grandfather was described by his family as a "much loved" person.

His family said: “John was much loved by his wife, parents, sisters, children, step children and grandchildren and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

"We are immensely grateful for the support we have received in the past week and take comfort in hearing how popular a man John was.”

The second man involved in the incident, Mr Williams, 65, of Warwickshire and father to Emma and grandfather to Jordan, Kade and Jazmin was described by his wife Bobbie as "dearly loved".

Paying tribute Mrs Williams said: “Tommy was a dearly loved husband, father and grandfather who will be desperately missed.

"I would like to send all my gratitude and thanks to every member of the team that has been involved. I cannot thank you all enough.”

The Northern Echo: Six paramedic teams were called to the scene just after 2pm, while fire engines and police also rushed to the site Picture: DOUG MOODYSix paramedic teams were called to the scene just after 2pm, while fire engines and police also rushed to the site Picture: DOUG MOODY

The contract workers, one from the demolition firm John F Hunt, who are the main contractors at the site, and the other from Nationwide Platforms, which provides the cherry pickers, were removing the furniture from the outside of the tower stack, when the explosion happened.

On Satuday (September 28) Superintendent Tariq Ali at Cleveland Police said: “Both Tommy and John’s family and friends are dealing with the devastation of losing them and I would ask that people respect their privacy at this extremely difficult time.

"They are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen previously confirmed that a police and Health and Safety Investigation was underway and that an internal inquiry within the South Tees Development Corporation would run alongside to aid with the "overarching investigation".

Paying tribute earlier this week, Mr Houchen said: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends and colleagues of the two men who lost their lives in this terrible and tragic accident.

"It’s also important that we thank the emergency services for their dedication and tireless work during a very difficult and complex set of circumstances."