Firework death case adjourned

The hearing into a workplace manslaughter case after two firemen died in an explosion in a fireworks factory has been adjourned.

Martin Winter, the establishment's owner, and his son, Nathan, have been charged with two counts of manslaughter following an explosion on the site in 2006, reports the Press Association.

The company is also facing prosecution under health and safety laws.

Brian Wernbridge, 63, and Geoff Wicker, 49, were both killed in the blast in December 2006 at the company's base, which is one of the biggest importers of fireworks in England, the news organisation reports.

Alpha Fireworks, which was called Festival Fireworks UK at the time of the incident, is based in East Sussex.

The court case in Lewes has been adjourned until October 2nd and the unconditional bail of the defendants has been extended.

At the time of the incident the Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the deaths, saying it was aiding the police in their case.