One year on from a huge blaze that engulfed a central Reading high-rise, the investigation into the fire is unlikely to conclude before the latter half of 2025 - due to the 'scale' of the inquiry. 

The fire broke out in the Station Hill development site near Reading Station on Thursday, November 23, requiring 50 firefighters from across Berkshire to battle the blaze for more than four hours. 

A crane driver at the site was dubbed 'the Bruce Willis of Reading' after he swung into action to save workers surrounded by flames on the upper levels of the high-rise building site. 

Two people were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics at the scene. 

The fire prompted calls for an urgent investigation - which is now unlikely to produce any findings until near the end of 2025, The Reading Chronicle can reveal. 

The Health Safety Executive, which is the national regulator for workplace health and safety, has been tasked with looking into the cause of the incident. 

The government body has stated that the investigation is ongoing and declined to comment further.   

Now a source from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service reports that the HSE is not expecting to conclude its investigation until late 2025 - due to the scale of the work involved and resources available to the government agency. 

Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, spoke with the director of the investigation division at the HSE in the days after fire, calling for experts to examine the incident 'as a matter of urgency'.

A spokesperson from the Station Hill development site, which has construction firm Sir Robert McAlpine as the lead contractor, said they were 'not aware' of any contractors being removed from the site following the fire.

The spokesperson said: “All façade works are complete to the building and the development is nearing completion. We are not aware of any contractor being removed from site and will not comment further.”

Glen Edwards has said the community's praise for his heroic actions has helped him face a painful battle against cancer.Glen Edwards has said the community's praise for his heroic actions has helped him face a painful battle against cancer. (Image: NQ) Glen Edwards, 65 and from Egham, Surrey, was operating a crane at the site and helped rescue workers left trapped by the flames. 

Speaking to this reporter in his first interview immediately after the dramatic rescue, Glen described the incident as 'not your average day in the office'.

In September, the heroic crane driver told The Reading Chronicle that he has been facing a cancer battle to manage incurable cancer - but was meeting the challenge with "optimism" thanks to community awards honouring his bravery.