Man dies after being trapped in machinery at Telford factory
A man has died days after being trapped in machinery, 15 metres in the air, at a factory in Telford.
The 47-year-old, named locally as Steve Westbrook, died on Tuesday.
He wasinjured when he was trapped in a large metal pressing machine used to make automotive parts at GKN Wheels and Structures in Hadley last week.
It happened while he was working a night shift at about 10pm on Thursday, December 13.
A number of people have taken to Facebook to pay tribute, with one user writing: "I'm so sorry to hear, shocking."
Another posted: "Terrible news to read. Condolences to his family. A bitter blow for the site."
While another wrote: "Steve was a lovely man and a great engineer, he will be missed dearly. My love goes out to the family."
Mr Westbrook was given advanced trauma care at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to the major trauma centre at The Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The company, which manufactures and engineers parts for the automotive, construction and agricultural industry, said a full investigation is currently underway.
Confirm
Sali Morris, marketing and communications director at GKN Wheels and Structures, said: "We can confirm that one of our colleagues was involved in an accident during the night shift at GKN Wheels and Structures in Telford, on Thursday, December 13.
"We are very sad to confirm that our colleague has subsequently died in hospital from injuries suffered in that accident.
"A full investigation is currently underway and we are working alongside all relevant authorities to establish the full circumstances of this tragic accident.
"At GKN Wheels and Structures, the health and safety of our employees and contractors is our number one priority at all times. We are providing full support to all those affected.
"Our thoughts are with our colleagues and the family and friends of those affected by this tragedy."
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews to the incident, including the rescue tender and an operations officer from Wellington.
Fire crews were at the scene for just under an hour-and-a-half before he was freed from the machine.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and West Mercia Police also attended the incident.
