Mechanic dies after he gets trapped under bus
TRIBUTES PAID TO FATHER-OF-THREE AFTER HORRIFIC INCIDENT IN CHESTER ZOO CAR PARK
A MAN who died after becoming trapped under a bus at Chester Zoo has been named locally as Wayne Lannon.
Emergency services were called to the popular attraction at lunchtime yesterday, but the 46-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is believed Mr Lannon was a mechanic and had been repairing the double decker bus in the zoo’s coach car park when he became trapped. The vehicle is believed to have been empty at the time.
Cheshire Police said an investigation has been launched into the incident, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.
Mr Lannon has been described by friends as ‘one in a million.’
Tributes poured in for Mr Lannon, who is understood to be a married father-of-three.
Ryan Liptrot posted on Facebook: “Rest in Peace, Wayne Lannon. A status I never thought I would be writing, a great gent, a guy that was class with everyone and it was a pleasure to call you my friend.”
Dylan Jones wrote: “RIP Wayne, you’ll never be forgotten.”
Sharon Jones said: “RIP Wayne. You were one in a million and we will never forget you.”
Neighbours on Mr Lannon’s street, in Beech Hill in Wigan, said he was popular in the area, having lived there for more than two decades.
One resident said: “Wayne was a really nice guy and a good neighbour, very well known in the area. He had lived here, on this road, for more than 20 years.
“It’s so, so sad for his family. I can’t believe it’s happened.”
Chester Zoo chief executive Mark Pilgrim said: “We can confirm with real sadness that a man passed away in our public coach park.
“First aid teams and other zoo staff assisted the emergency services, but sadly the man died at the scene.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with his family and all involved.”
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “Shortly after 12.30pm on Wednesday, June 14, officers were called to reports of an incident outside Chester Zoo.
“Officers attended the scene and found that a man had become trapped under a double decker bus on the coach car park outside the zoo.
“The bus is believed to have been empty at the time the incident occurred.
“The North West Ambulance Service attended the incident and sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently underway and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”
Police said Mr Lannon’s next of kin have been informed of his death.