A PROBE has been launched after two chicken factory workers were found dead with frozen hands and faces, a pre-inquest review heard.
Jonathan Collins, 34 and Neil Moon, 49, were tragically discovered in the early hours of October 4, 2018, at the Attleborough chicken factory in Norfolk.
Their bodies were uncovered in a narrow crawl space between an outside factory wall and the wall of a railway station, Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard today.
Assistant coroner Christopher Leach said: “Both men had frozen hands and faces and there was evidence of frost on the floor.
“This inquest is currently suspended and therefore it is not appropriate to proceed into an inquest at this stage.”
It comes after Norfolk Police confirmed last week that two companies are being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter.
Both are required to attend Norwich Magistrates’ Court on July 9.
Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team probed the mysterious deaths, with the help of the Health and Safety Executive.
The force said previously that a possible refrigeration gas leak was going to be looked into.
A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Banham Poultry Limited, which went into administration in October 2018, is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
“Air Products PLC is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.”
Banham Poultry has changed ownership since the bodies of Jonathan and Neil were found.
The current owners of the business are not connected to the incident or involved in the legal case.
Mr Collins’ devastated family paid an emotional tribute to the “devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him”.
Mr Moon’s heartbroken widow hailed him as “the most amazing husband and father”.
His son called him “my hero and the best father I could’ve ever asked for”.
And, his daughter said: “I will miss him so much and cherish all the memories we had together.”
A further pre-inquest review has been scheduled for December 11, 2024.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
