TOTAL recognises the publication on the 20th February of the UK Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) progress report on their investigation into the fire at the Buncefield terminal in Hemel Hempstead, north of London, which occurred on the 11th December 2005.

The report , The Buncefield Investigation, outlines how the HSE is not yet in a position to identify the origin and cause of the incident, but the report does note how a mist was seen emanating from a section of the terminal a short time before the initial explosion.

The Hertfordshire Oil Storage terminal at Buncefield is managed by Hertfordshire Oil Storage Limited (HOSL), a joint venture between TOTAL UK Limited (60%) and Texaco (40%), and forms part of the Buncefield complex in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire.

HOSL is continuing to work closely with the HSE in their ongoing investigation to try to bring the matter to a swift conclusion, and remains committed to exploring ways of offering practical assistance to those in the surrounding community suffering hardship as a consequence.

 Buncefield Investigation -  Progress report - February 2006