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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Claire Harrison & Reanna Smith

Police investigate as binman dies on job in 'incident involving refuse collection lorry'

Police are investigating after a bin man sadly lost his life while carrying out collections in the city.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care car from the Air Ambulance Service were dispatched to a street in Coventry after 999 calls were made, according to the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).

Medics rushed to the scene in the Foleshill area, arriving just before 10am but unfortunately they weren't able to do anything to save the man's life.

Police are now attempting to establish what happened and an investigation into the matter has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

Medics rushed to the scene on Guild Road (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

A spokesman for WMAS told Coventry Live: "We were called to an incident involving a refuse collection lorry on Guild Road, Coventry at 9.58am

"Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a critical care car from The Air Ambulance Service attended the scene along with police and fire colleagues. On arrival, crews found a man in a critical condition.

"Sadly, nothing could be done to save the man and was confirmed deceased on scene."

The incident took place shortly after 10am (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

Coventry city council sent all bin workers home for the day following the tragic news.

Issuing a statement to their social media, they said: "Earlier today one of our senior bin crew tragically lost their life while undertaking their duties.

"This will impact on collections across the city as we deal with this incident. We are co-operating fully with the Police and the Health and Safety Executive and supporting all staff. We will provide you with an update on the service when we can."

The man was declared dead at the scene (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

The council's statement was met with comments expressing shock and condolences to the man's loved ones.

One person said: "That’s terrible - to lose your life whilst working. Thoughts with all those affected, so sad."

Another wrote: "Thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues. Bin collections can wait."

The council suspended collections across the city following the tragic news (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)

West Midlands police issued a statement on the incident this afternoon in Guild Road, and sent out condolences to friends and family.

The force said: "We were called to Guild Road, Foleshill, at just before 10.10am today (19 January). A man - who was working as a refuse collector - was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

"Enquiries to establish exactly what happened are ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man at this deeply distressing time."

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