A YEAR ago today none of us could have prepared for the events that unfolded as the clock struck 4pm. 

Like many others across Oxfordshire, and further afield, those of us in the Oxford Mail news room were shocked at what we saw. As more details, eye-witness accounts and images emerged the devastation of the tragedy became apparent. 

Now, 12 months later, the memories of that fateful afternoon are clearer than ever. 

One can't begin to imagine what the families of the men killed in the boiler house collapse have been through since February 23, 2016. But there is no doubt that the community has done all it can to help ease some of the pain and suffering. 

The stories of people rallying round to offer support and thoughts have been incredibly heart-warming, especially in such awful circumstances. 

What happened on that day will stay with many for the rest of their lives. 

Hundreds of emergency service workers were called to the site moments after the collapse to be faced with an unimaginable scene.

Some of them recall the 'eerie silence' on the site as well as having to cope with the thick fog and dust caused by the collapse. Many of them were volunteers like Fay Gale from the Red Cross who worked in the most difficult circumstances to do what they could, They had a job to do but like the rest of us are only human and the impact of what they had to deal with has had a lasting effect. 

For them, and many others, February 23, 2016, will be forever etched in their memory. 

Piles of twisted metal remain visible on the site after the collapse changed the landmark skyline forever with a permanent and painful reminder of the event. 

And the sheer scale of the yet to be completed investigation is still very apparent. Let's hope closure for the families isn't a too distant reality. 

As we mark a year after the tragedy all those affected, and especially the men who died, are at the forefront of our thoughts.