The owners of Pontins, Britannia Jinky Jersey, have been charged with corporate manslaughter following a ceiling collapse that injured 18 guests at their Brean Sands resort in Somerset, UK.

This incident occurred in February 2019 during a bingo session when a 40-metre section of ducting and ceiling fell into the entertainment area, exposing live electrics.

Among the injured was 68-year-old Wendy Jones, who died on August 4, 2019, after spending six months in the hospital due to injuries sustained in the collapse.

On April 15, 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the corporate manslaughter charge against the parent company and a separate charge against contractor Stephen Bennison for health and safety violations.

Both defendants are scheduled to appear in Bristol Magistrates’ Court on May 6, 2025, as part of the legal proceedings stemming from the investigation.

At the time of the collapse, approximately 100 people were present in the entertainment hall, participating in a bingo game.

The investigation led to the case being referred to the Crown Prosecution Service in 2024, culminating in the recent charges.

Contractor Stephen Bennison, 58, faces charges under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in addition to the corporate manslaughter charge against the parent company.

Emergency services, including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, responded promptly to reports of the ceiling collapse.

The charges follow a joint investigation by Avon and Somerset Police and Somerset Council, which was initiated after Wendy Jones' death and completed last year.

Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey expressed condolences to Jones's family and emphasized the complexity of the investigation, reminding the public of the right to a fair trial for all defendants.

Pontins, known for its holiday parks across the UK, was founded in 1946 and has expanded to multiple locations, including Brean Sands.