Four workers at a Great Yarmouth industrial site were crushed to death last week after a steel structure they were building collapsed on top of them.
The four men – named as Tom and Dan Hazelton, Peter Johnson and Adam Taylor – were working for Claxton Engineering Services just outside of the Norfolk seaside resort when the accident happened on Friday afternoon. They were employed by external contractors and were building an extension to offshore oil rig drill provider Claxton’s offices, where 100 employees work.
Buried under hundreds of tonnes of steel, a crane was required to lift the metal and the men were pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for Claxton said: “Claxton Engineering Services Limited can confirm that an accident occurred at its premises in North River Road, Great Yarmouth where construction work on a new facility is being carried out by external contractors.
“We are also able to confirm that four men have tragically lost their lives in this incident which is now being investigated by the Norfolk Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive.
“The company is fully cooperating with the investigation. Everybody at Claxton is deeply saddened by what has occurred and the company’s thoughts and sympathy are with the families of the four men.”
Claxton, a former Queen’s Award for Export Achievement winner, was founded 26 years ago by Bob Claxton but was bought out in 1999. His daughter, Laura Claxton, remains managing director.
The Health and Safety Executive confirmed that it has launched an inquiry into the tragedy.
