The families of two firefighters killed in a fireworks blast are set to be awarded compensation– after an appeal was thrown out of court today.
Brian Wembridge and Geoff Wicker died in an explosion at Marlie Farm near Lewes in 2006.
A High Court judge in July ruled the deaths were “preventable” and ordered the service to pay out.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service applied to overturn the decision but their plea was yesterday thrown out.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said: “It’s time for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to give the families of these fallen firefighters the peace and justice they have awaited for seven years.
“It’s a relief but no surprise that the courts have dismissed their meritless appeal on every ground of application, and shocking that they will now prolong the families’ agony by appealing again.
“We should never forget that two lives were needlessly lost as a result of a systemic and cultural failure of those responsible for ESFRS.”
It is understood the service is preparing to launch a further appeal.
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