Nightmare of Ashbourne Wells (Chapter 1)
Introduction:
Today our Story Starts In the beautiful British seaside town called Ashbourne Wells, situated along the beautiful Devon Coast, Ashbourne Wells has been Home to more than 1,000 people for over 60 years, and since 1921 there lies an Old Oil refinery, sat deep into the ground along the side of Rockdale Cliff, its pipes run roughly 500 meters down the side and they end at an old oil dock for large ships to dock and take on/drop off large amounts of oil, many who live in the small town work for the old dock and its large refinery
The Beginning:
On the 12th of August 1978, a large Oil tanker, the Tempest, is just 12 Miles off the coast, its destination?, the small nearby town of Banrhis Point, the tanker is on a Journey around the British Isles, delivering oil from Amsterdam's famous refineries to Kent, Dover, Banrhis Point, And finally, Ashbourne Wells, while the tanker was sat at Dock 2B in Banrhis point, the crew members were getting ready to start the ship's engine and unberth from the dock, 2 large powerful harbor tugs, and an experienced port pilot, arrive at the dock, the port pilot walks up the gangway and reaches the bridge in time for departure, while the ships mooring lines are dropped.
Final Departure:
it is a crisp, cold morning in Banrhis Point, the 2 large harbor tugs attach lines and pull the tanker away from the port, then the lines are dropped, the tanker's engines start, and slowly, the tanker pushes swiftly away from the dock.. the ship departed 2 hours ago, and is sailing carefully through the rock filled waters off the coast, the ship sails for a further 4 hours, the captain reports fog from the bridge, and commands radar charts to be turned on, the ship is now just 4 miles from Ashbourne wells, the tankers faint dimmed lights.. can be finally seen by the dockside crew. 3 Loud Blasts of the tankers horn, are heard, as a big red mass slowly pushes through the fog, the Tanker is assisted by Ashbourne wells' Port pilot, which assists the captain in docking maneuvers, they Moore the ship up to the dock, as pipelines and crew the gangway are swiftly connected from port to ship, the port is now busy with the daily hustle and bustle, and as all the rest of Ashbourne wells' hard-working refinery crew slowly make their way to the docks to assist in the unloading of the oil tanker, one man, Gordon Salens, watches the horizon over Rockdale cliff, he watches as the sun begins to set over the pristine water..
The Night Shift Operations:
most of the crew of the Ashbourne Wells refinery is now hard at work ensuring safe operation of the docks, Ben telanford, a dockside worker, is now working around the pipelines connecting to the forward bow section oil tank, he is on his nightshift rounds, just strolling around the dock to ensure that all systems are working as expected, he checks for oil pressure, pipe pressure, and pump function, as Ben walks around the Forward Bow section dockside cooling tanks, he checks the temperature and pressure gauges of tank 2A, a Large cooling tank that insures all machinery is cooled during operations, and he notices that a pressure gauge of the tank seems to be broken, showing near 3,000 PSI of pressure in a forward bulkhead valve of tank 2A, he thinks near nothing of it, and walks around the dockside, continuing his operations
Chapter 2:
Assumed False Alarms:
at approximately 2:10AM Loud Fire alarms Blast throughout the Refinery and its port, alerting all crew to their stations, they run for the assembly point designated in a large car park outside, where a headcount of all crew members and dock staff is taken place, the Ashbourne wells Portside safety officer (PSO) rushes to inform the First officer of a potential issue, however, the first officer does not take the warning seriously, and suspects it to be part of a re-occurring issue with a program execution system at the refinery.
once the head count was finished, many safety checks were started to ensure it was safe to return to. the first officer ordered all workers to return to their posts and continue working on their nightshift, all seems back to normal for the following few hours, that is.. until 5:42AM, when a small line that transferred Power to the ship, snapped, and was turned off to ensure it couldn't cause a fire. but once again, this was seen as a usual issue, another hour passes, at 6:21AM a Large Explosion was heard by crew members at the dockside, by now, the tanker was getting ready to depart, the explosion was seen by crew on the bridge of the tempest, and they reported it to the dockside crew, this time, it was no small powerline, a small team was dispatched to assess the damage when one of the main Oil Pipelines, around 4 meters in diameter, burst, the explosion sent shrapnel immediately and 2 staff were killed by flying debris, the other 2 rushed to put out the blaze that had started, when oil reached live wiring, it ignited and both main pipelines were up in flames, a large receiver box for signals coming from the refinery to the dock, was blown clean off its bolts, sending it flying, it went flying towards the aft of the now departing oil tanker, It weighed nearly 20 tons.. the receiver collided with deck 5 which caused the tankers bridge to become unstable, an onboard fuel line ruptured, sending more debris and fire, the fire was luckily slow to burn, due to the collision all 7 crew members aboard the bridge at the time were killed, this included captain Icharoga Nicksolvenosk who was struck by debris from the receiver, the whole town of Ashbourne Wells was up in flames, the refinery's remaining crew members managed to escape through a fire door and were rescued by helicopter to a nearby hospital, immediately fire services began to arrive at the scene, blasting water over the site, and trying to extinguish the fire of Pipeline 12A.
Chapter 3:
Large evacuation Aircraft were sent, and they landed a short drive away from the blaze, they collected almost everyone from the town, and evacuated them in anticipation of an absolutely colossal explosion, nearby towns and cities were warned to keep their doors and windows shut, and to hide in a basement or underground room to protect yourself from potential shockwaves. by 7:49AM all families and people were evacuated from the town, and the Coast Guard sent a large vessel to stand approximately 12 miles off the coast of Ashbourne Wells to monitor explosions and to check for signs of oil spillage, the crew onboard have just managed to get the ship anchored off the coast, and are now getting ready to observe possible explosions, the crew carried on for an hour, observing the large fires and small explosions, until,.. at 9:23AM An colossal explosion, around the size of the Beirut explosion, rocked Ashbourne Wells, the entire Oil refinery was now little more than ashes and debris, pieces of pipeline, burnt rotting bodies of the deceased lay strewn along the cliffside, the large oil tanker, the Tempest, since erupted in flames and sunk into the shallow bay, the coast guard sent a smaller zodiac boat to explore the sunken Tempest, of course with extreme caution, as it lay only 100 meters from the refinery, the refinery, still burning hot flame was now completely out of oil, the generators used to pump the oil through the pipes, started to overheat, as the cooling tanks were destroyed in the blaze, there was no way of cooling them down, the crew onboard the zodiac were immediately ordered to evacuate the site, they move at a speed of 42kts back towards the main coast guard ship, when suddenly they heard a smaller explosion, the generators which had been running for hours after the coolant tanks initially blew out were now in dangerously hot temperatures, they exploded after the heat reached a live wire, the large windfarm running the electricity for the town of Ashbourne Wells was now in overdrive, systems overheated, wires blew out, until a large wind turbine on the side of Rockdale cliff had an electrical generator explosion at the base of the turbine, causing the large wind turbine to collapse under its weight, which caused a large 8 meter long blade to detach and slide down the cliff until it struck the water with a large crash.
Chapter 4: The Aftermath The chaos subsided, leaving only the haunting remnants of what once was. Ashbourne Wells lay in ruins, the sky above choked with black smoke and ash. Survivors huddled together in evacuation centers set up in nearby towns, sharing their stories in hushed whispers, disbelief etched across their faces.
Among them, Gordon Salens sat on a makeshift bench, his eyes fixed on the horizon where Ashbourne Wells had stood just hours before. The once vibrant town, with its bustling docks and the comforting sound of waves lapping against the shore, was now a graveyard of twisted metal and charred earth. His heart ached for his neighbors, for their lives irrevocably changed in the blink of an eye.
Ben Telanford was among the crowd, shaken but alive. He had been among the last workers to leave the docks. As he sat beside Gordon, the weight of survivor's guilt pressed heavily on his shoulders. "I should have done something," he muttered, staring at his hands. "I saw that gauge, and I didn't report it. If I had..."
Gordon placed a reassuring hand on Ben's shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for what happened. You weren't the one running the refinery. You did what you could. We all did."
Ben looked up, his eyes red from lack of sleep and tears. "But I was there. I should have known something was wrong."
As the sun began to set, casting an orange hue over the evacuation center, the sounds of sirens and helicopters faded into the distance. Survivors began to share their experiences, piecing together the timeline of events that led to the disaster.
News Coverage:
The media soon arrived, setting up cameras and microphones to capture the unfolding tragedy. Reporters flocked to the center, eager to broadcast the devastation to the world. A news anchor stepped forward, her voice heavy with emotion. "This morning, a catastrophic explosion at the Ashbourne Wells oil refinery has left the small town in ruins. Eyewitnesses report a series of blasts that could be felt miles away, and emergency services are working tirelessly to assess the damage."
The camera panned over the anxious faces of the evacuees, capturing the fear and uncertainty etched in their expressions. Gordon felt a mix of anger and sorrow as he watched the footage. The refinery was not just an employer; it was the lifeblood of their community, a source of pride and identity. Now, that identity lay in ruins.
Rebuilding Trust:
In the days that followed, authorities began their investigations into the disaster. The refinery's management faced scrutiny, and public outrage simmered beneath the surface. Local residents demanded answers, while families of the victims mourned their losses.
A town hall meeting was organized, bringing together the community, local leaders, and representatives from the oil company. The dimly lit gymnasium buzzed with tension as the residents filled the folding chairs, their faces a mix of determination and despair.
The mayor, a stoic woman named Margaret Hayes, stood before the crowd, her voice steady yet filled with empathy. "We gather here today not just to mourn our losses, but to demand accountability. We need to know how this happened, and we need assurances that it will never happen again."
Ben, seated near the front, felt a wave of hope wash over him. The community was coming together, united in their grief and anger. He raised his hand, trembling with emotion. "We want to know what went wrong. Lives were lost, and we deserve answers!"
Margaret nodded, acknowledging his plea. "I assure you, we will not rest until we uncover the truth. Safety protocols must be reevaluated, and we must ensure that the tragedy we faced today does not repeat itself."
As the meeting continued, the crowd shared their concerns, voices rising in passionate demands for change. Gordon listened, feeling a sense of determination swell within him. The fire that had consumed their town would not extinguish their spirit.
Uncovering the Truth:
Weeks turned into months, and investigations into the refinery's operations progressed slowly. The media continued to cover the story, revealing shocking revelations about the safety measures—or lack thereof—in place at the facility. Reports surfaced detailing a history of ignored maintenance issues and inadequate safety protocols.
As the town began to rebuild, a new company stepped forward, promising to take over the refinery and implement the changes necessary to prevent future disasters. Gordon and Ben found themselves involved in community meetings, advocating for safety reforms and transparency in the new management's practices.
One evening, as they gathered with other residents to discuss plans for the future, Ben spoke up. "We can't just rebuild what was here before. We need to create something better. A place where our families can feel safe, where we can work without fear."
Gordon nodded in agreement. "We should establish a community council that includes voices from all walks of life—workers, families, and local leaders. Together, we can hold the new management accountable and ensure they prioritize safety over profit."
The idea resonated with the group, sparking discussions about what their new community could look like. They envisioned a future built on trust, collaboration, and a commitment to safety.
A New Beginning:
As the months passed, Ashbourne Wells slowly began to rebuild. New structures rose from the ashes of the old refinery, and the community came together to create a memorial honoring the lives lost in the disaster.
Gordon and Ben became key figures in the council, advocating for safety measures and engaging with the new management. They attended meetings, presented their ideas, and held the company accountable for their commitments.
One sunny afternoon, as they stood at the edge of the newly built memorial, Gordon turned to Ben. "Can you believe how far we've come? This place, once filled with smoke and destruction, is now a symbol of resilience."
Ben smiled, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. "We did this together. We honored those we lost, and we're building a safer future for our families."
As they stood in silence, reflecting on their journey, the sounds of laughter echoed from the park nearby. Children played, and families gathered, creating a vibrant atmosphere that filled the air with hope.
Looking to the Future:
With the refinery operational again, new safety measures had been implemented, and the community felt a renewed sense of trust. Gordon and Ben continued their work on the council, ensuring that safety remained a priority.
One day, during a council meeting, a representative from the new management approached them. "We appreciate your advocacy and commitment to safety. We want to invite you both to be part of our safety oversight committee, where you can represent the community's interests directly."
Gordon exchanged glances with Ben, excitement bubbling within him. "We would be honored," he replied, feeling a sense of purpose wash over him.
As they accepted the offer, they knew their roles would be crucial in shaping the refinery's future and ensuring that the mistakes of the past would never be repeated. Together, they envisioned a community that could thrive while prioritizing safety, respect, and accountability.
The Final Reflection:
Years later, as they stood in front of the memorial during an annual remembrance ceremony, Gordon reflected on the journey they had taken together. The town had transformed from a site of tragedy into a beacon of resilience, a testament to the strength of its people.
As the sun set over Ashbourne Wells, casting a golden glow over the memorial, Gordon looked at Ben, who was now a close friend and ally. "We did it. We honored the past and built a better future."
Ben smiled, his eyes shining with gratitude. "This is just the beginning. We'll continue to fight for our community, ensuring that everyone feels safe and valued."
And as the townsfolk gathered to remember those lost in the disaster, they stood united, a community stronger than ever, bound by shared experiences, commitment, and the unyielding belief that together, they could overcome anything.
Epilogue: As the years rolled on, the memory of the explosion remained a stark reminder of vulnerability and the importance of vigilance. Ashbourne Wells had become a model for safety and community resilience, attracting attention from across the country.
The new management, under the guidance of the safety oversight committee, implemented groundbreaking safety measures, becoming a leader in refinery operations. Local schools introduced educational programs focused on safety awareness, teaching children the value of precautionary measures and the importance of community engagement.
Gordon and Ben, now respected figures in their community, often found themselves speaking at schools and local events, sharing their experiences and the lessons learned from that fateful day.
One afternoon, while visiting a local school, Gordon stood before a group of wide-eyed children. "We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility."
As the children raised their hands, eager to share their thoughts, Gordon felt a swell of hope for the future. The tragedy that had once cast a dark shadow over Ashbourne Wells had given rise to a stronger, more united community, dedicated to protecting each other and learning from the past.
And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, the town of Ashbourne Wells continued to thrive, a testament to resilience, hope, and the unwavering spirit of its people.