Hospital porter dies in freak accident

2:32pm Monday 9th October 2006

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A PORTER at the Royal Bolton Hospital has been killed after being trapped in a rubbish compactor.

The man, in his 50s, was leaning into the machine, which is used to crush cardboard and other waste, when the lid fell on him. It is understood to have broken his neck.

An investigation has now been launched by the Health and Safety Executive. Two fire engines and a fire service rescue unit were called and hospital staff rushed to the scene of the accident at around 3pm.

Heather Edwards, head of communications at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "Sadly, we can confirm that a person died while they were working at the hospital on Sunday afternoon.

"At the moment, we can't say anything about the circumstances surrounding the death.

"We would like to stress how the feelings of all hospital staff are with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased."

A spokesman for the fire service said: "We had reports that a man was trapped in a compactor. The incident had been dealt with before we arrived, however."

A police spokesman said: "I can confirm that the Health and Safety Executive are now leading the investigation."