Factory worker dies of crush injuries

A worker was killed as he worked 14ft above ground at a Black Country steel factory, it emerged today.

Wilfred Williams, aged 57, is believed to have been working on a crane when the tragedy happened at C Brown and Sons in Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said today he suffered "very serious crush injuries" to his chest and lower body.

The Health and Safety Executive is now investigating the accident.

An air ambulance from Cosford, with an emergency doctor on board, rushed to the scene and firefighters used a cherry picker to reach the injured man and bring him to the ground.

The ambulance service also sent a rapid response vehicle and paramedics from the service's Hazardous Area Response Team.

But Mr Williams, of Tividale, was certified dead at about 3.15pm on Friday, Black Country coroner's officer Arthur Burgess confirmed today.

An inquest was being opened on him at Dudley today.