One of the ambulance service officials who has been speaking to the Birmingham mail, has this to say, "For all emergency services it was a difficult scene. There are a number of hazards we’ve got to resolve. It’s very hazardous. We’ve put a lot of resources in. There are a number of dangers we are working out".
The Ambulance crew that were contacted couldn't save the men that were crushed by a heavy concrete structure that collapsed.
The collapsed Site
The industrial accident occurred when a heavy concrete collapsed and crushed five men to death in a recycling site in Birmingham.
Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, has given a brief speech of the incident.
MP, Shabana Mahmood
"This is devastating news for the families of those killed and my thoughts and prayers go out to them. The bodies of the victims must be recovered as quickly as possible but then there will be some serious questions to answer about what led to the deaths of these workers. I understand that the Health and Safety Executive is on the scene and I hope they are able to complete their work as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Nothing will bring their loved ones back but the families of those who have been killed will want answers, they will want to understand what has happened here. I am extremely shocked that five lives have been cut short so abruptly like this".
Math Bowen, a colleague of the victims, would have be a victim if not for his son who was ill, He posted an emotional tribute on his Facebook page, "I hope you rest in peace lads, I truly do. Part of me is sorry I wasn’t in today the other half glad my son was poorly. Words cannot describe the thoughts that are going though my head, let alone the lads that was in work today. My thoughts and prayers are with your families who you worked so hard for, God be with you brothers, heartbroken to say the least".
At about 8:45 am Thursday, West Midlands Police were said to have be contacted to Hawkeswood Metal plant in Nechells where the incident happened.
One of the workers whose name is Mahmoud Diob narrated as saying, "I know all of them. They were Gambians. It’s very difficult for me. I’m feeling very hurt".
Another man who was said to have been waiting outside the site by the name 'Haji Toukara 41, said, "I went to the Cape Hill Community Centre Mosque at 1.30pm and they announced that the five men had died. I know two of them from the centre. I’ve come here to pay my respects at least".
Murray MacGregor, a spokesman for the ambulance service, said the five men who died had been "crushed" by the wall and nothing could be done to save them.
A truck driver who was at the site as at when the incident occurred by the name, Slav Aniyu 43, had this to say, "We were reloading the recycling metal into containers which will go into China. I was just about to leave and the guys said ‘stop’, Stop, nobody go anywhere, stay where you are. They said it was a major accident. One of the workers said the wall had crashed. I saw one guy lying on the floor and paramedics were putting a mask on him and talking to him. They were trying to resuscitate him. The police came and told me to leave the truck and escorted me out".
Police at the Site
The West Midlands Fire Service have described the scene of the accident as "extremely challenging" as an unstable structure involving a "significant tonnage of concrete and metal" needs to be moved.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gary Taylor said: "This is a devastating incident is for everyone involved. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims' families and colleagues.
"Once the police have finished their initial examination of the scene, our absolute priority will be to ensure that the bodies of those who have lost their lives are recovered in the most timely and safe way possible, and with the utmost dignity and respect."
Mr Taylor added that the operation to recover their bodies is expected to take "several hours".
Several people have gathered close to the site's entrance, where they are waiting for news on their loved ones.
Police have launched an investigation into the industrial accident with the help of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Detective Superintendent Mark Payne said "several teams" of specialist officers were also supporting the families of those who died.
He added: "This has been a very traumatic incident for those who were at the site this morning and we will continue to work alongside the HSE and the other emergency services at the scene."
Hawkeswood Metal began trading more than 40 years ago.
According to the company's website, it processes more than 500,000 tonnes of scrap metal a year.
In July 2012, the company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay more than £10,000 in costs at Birmingham Crown Court after a worker trapped and broke his arm in an unguarded conveyor belt, documents from the HSE show.
Meanwhile, in February, firefighters had to work through the night to contain a large blaze at the plant.
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