Investigation launched as four die in industrial accident

An investigation into the deaths of four men in an industrial incident in Great Yarmouth has been launched.

The men died as they were carrying out works on the site of Claxton Engineering at approximately 2pm on Friday 21 January. Claxton Engineering provides equipment and specialist services to the North Sea oil industry.

The men, believed to be aged between 26 and 42, were pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquiry to establish the circumstances leading to their deaths is being undertaken by the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team (MIT) with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A further assessment of the site by police and HSE investigators is to be carried out.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Neil Luckett, said:

"This is a complex investigation and our enquiries – including assessments at the site – are likely to continue for several weeks.

"We will not be drawn into conjecture on the nature of the incident. The aim of our investigation is to establish the full circumstances around what happened on the site yesterday.

"This is a distressing time for the families of those who sadly lost their lives and our thoughts go out to them."

Home Office post mortem examinations to determine the cause of death will take place today.

Richard Howitt, Labour MEP for the East of England, said that the accident was “a deadly example of why plans to lift health and safety protection should be halted”.