Investigation into five workplace deaths ‘remains criminal’

The scene at Hawkeswood Metal in Nechells

The investigation into the deaths of five men at a Birmingham metals recycling centre last year remains a “criminal investigation” although the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has now taken over the case from West Midlands Police.

The men were working in a materials recovery bay at Hawkeswood Metal in Nechells in July 2016 when a concrete wall collapsed. Five workers were killed and a sixth seriously injured in the incident.

Geoffrey Brown, HSE’s principal inspector leading the investigation, said: “This remains a criminal investigation into the five deaths. We will be considering whether there were any breaches of health and safety law relevant to the circumstances of this tragic event.

“HSE’s thoughts remain with the families of those who lost loved ones that day. We will of course keep the families updated as our investigation continues.”

At the time of the incident, the company had issued a statement saying the wall was less than two years old and no damage had been reported.

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