Brothers among four killed in site 'collapse'

A COMMUNITY was yesterday grieving over the deaths of four men, including two brothers, who were killed in an industrial accident.

The men had been working at the site of offshore company Claxton Engineering in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Building work was being carried out by external contractors at the premises where the accident happened at about 2pm on Friday, the firm said.

The dead men were named locally as Dan Hazelton, 30, his brother Tom, 26, and Peter Johnson, 42, all from Stanton, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and Adam Taylor, 28, who lived close by.

A Norfolk Constabulary spokesman said: "Their families are currently being supported by specialist police officers."

Reports suggested a steel structure may have collapsed on the men as foundation work was carried out.

Organisers of two local football clubs said yesterday they had cancelled their matches in the wake of the tragedy. Mike Powles, chairman of Walsham le Willows FC, said: "Two of the lads used to play for us. It's a real community where everyone knows everyone else. We called the games off as a mark of respect and we understand Stanton have done the same."

An inquiry has been launched into the men's deaths.

Det Chief Insp Neil Luckett from the major investigation team said: "This is a complex investigation and our inquiries - including assessments at the site - are likely to continue for several weeks. 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 are due to be carried out today.

Claxton said everyone at the company was "deeply saddened" and that the company's thoughts were with the families of the four men.