Wed Sep 18 00:46:58 UTC 2024: ## Man to be Charged in Connection with Chester Restaurant Explosion
A 39-year-old man is set to appear in court this week in connection with a serious explosion at a restaurant under construction in Chester. Mark Blackburn of Wakefield Road, Ossett, will be charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and with breaching regulations under the Health and Safety Act.
The charges stem from a joint investigation by Cheshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the explosion at the Turtle Bay restaurant unit on March 29, 2023. The incident, which occurred during the fit-out of the restaurant as part of the Chester Northgate Development, left three contractors seriously injured.
The blast resulted in the closure of the new Chester Market and adjacent car park. Work resumed at the Turtle Bay site, and the restaurant is scheduled to open this October.
Blackburn is scheduled to appear at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, October 18.
First Piper 