AN investigation is under way after two building workers were struck by a three-quarter ton concrete block at a site in Bury town centre yesterday. It is understood the massive block fell from the first floor of the retail development at Minden Parade.

Ambulance and fire crews used a special spinal board to move the injured men.

One of the workers, Gary Rowe, 32, from Rochdale, was taken to Bury General Hospital but later transferred to a specialist hospital in Southport where he is being treated for spinal injuries.

A police escort accompanied the ambulance on its slow journey to Southport.

Tony Pearce, 25, from Bury, escaped with minor leg injuries.

Both men work for a construction company carrying out the town centre scheme.

No-one from the company has been available for comment.

Officials from the Health and Safety Executive have visited the site to carry out an investigation.

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