Pictured: Apprentice, 16, killed in Avonmouth sewage works explosion as devastated father pays tribute to 'my best mate'

The devastated father of the teen who died in the sewage works explosion has paid tribute to his son and said the hole left by his loss will never be filled.

Luke Wheaton, 16, was one of four people killed in the huge explosion at the water treatment centre in Avonmouth, Bristol on Thursday.

The large explosion is thought to have involved one of the chemical tanks at the site and happened in a silo that held treated biosolids. 

Luke is understood to have been working as an apprentice - and had only spent three months on the job before the blast.

In a moving tribute on Facebook, his father Matt Wheaton described his young son as 'my best mate'.

He said: 'RIP Luke 22/12/03 - 03/12/2020.

'You gave me and mum 16 great years it should have been many many more, a big hole has been put into our hearts and will never ever be filled, you our and will always be the big part in our hearts that now is not there.

A father has paid tribute to his 16-year-old son Luke Wheaton who was one of four people killed after an explosion at a sewage works treatment centre in Avonmouth, near Bristol

Luke Wheaton, centre, was working as apprentice when the explosion happened on Thursday

'You gave so much to any event laughter /fun by your words, jokes, comments we will miss you and will always love you for the rest of our life's and I hope will carry on beyond.

'You were my son, my best mate, my drinking partner, my minder and much much more. Mums georgus babe, everything wished for in a son.

'Thank you everyone for your kind messages and support over these tragic days it means so much to us.

'LUKE TAKEN FROM US SO TRAGICALLY.

'We our so proud of you in what you have achieved in your short life.

'You were so proud to get an apprenticeship and wear your uniform and it should of lasted for more than 3 months.

'God bless Luke our great son we wish you were still with us in life and not soul ******.'

Others have also paid tribute to Luke and supported the family in the comments on Matt's post.

One said: 'Your gorgeous boy. Our hearts are aching for you all.'

Another posted: 'My thoughts are with you and the family. Lost for words.'

Bradley Stoke Community School paid tribute to former student Luke, writing on Facebook: 'We were shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our former student Luke Wheaton yesterday in the Avonmouth tragedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.' 

Luke's father Matt Wheaton shares a touching tribute to his son after he was killed on Thursday

Mourner lays flowers at scene of disaster to pay their respects to four workers who were killed

A major explosion at a Wessex Water sewage treatment plant near Bristol left four people dead, including 16-year-old apprentice Luke Wheaton, and one person was seriously injured

Aerial view of damage caused by explosion at the centre which killed four people on Thursday

North Bristol Rugby Football Club tweeted: 'Such terribly sad news that one of our Colts, Luke Wheaton was tragically lost in the accident in Avonmouth yesterday morning. It's absolutely heartbreaking.

'All of our love & thoughts to Luke's family, team mates, coaches and everyone else that new him.'

A third added: 'Gorgeous pic. I am heart broken for you, Paula and the family. You are all in my thoughts, sending much love.' 

An investigation into the blast, which was declared a major incident, is now underway.

Avon and Somerset Police said previously that the explosion happened in a silo that holds treated biosolids before it is recycled to land as an organic soil conditioner.

Police said that Luke Wheaton, 16, Michael James, 64, Brian Vickery, 63, and Raymond White, 57, were all killed by a blast thought to have been caused by an exploding chemical tank. 

It is understood that Mr James was a contractor working at the site, while Mr Vickery and Mr White were employees of Wessex Water and Luke, a former pupil of Bradley Stoke Community School, was an apprentice.  

One person said on social media they heard a 'loud bang' at the time of the explosion. Pictured: Fire crews at the scene

The incident happened at the recycling facility and water treatment works at Avonmouth in Bristol, south west England

In a statement, the force added that specially trained officers are supporting the victims' families, while investigators will speak to the person who survived the blast and is now recovering from their injuries at home. 

Emergency services were called to reports of a large explosion involving one of the chemical tanks at the site at about 11.20am. 

Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident and said a cordon at the site was likely to remain in place 'over the coming days' as an investigation is carried out.

This is being supported by the Health and Safety Executive and a team of chemical and mechanical experts, the force said.