WORKER DIES AT STEEL PLANT
A WORKER has died in a machinery accident at the Tata steelworks in Port Talbot, leading to an immediate investigation by the steel firm.
Emergency services, including a hazardous area response team (HART), were called to the site shortly before 2pm yesterday.
A male worker required “urgent medical attention”.
Police described the accident as an “isolated incident” with no threat to the public, but confirmed the man had died.
A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that one person has died and his next of kin have been informed.
“We are now liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).”
Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberavon, said: “Terrible, tragic news coming out of Port Talbot steelworks.
“My heart and thoughts go out to the family and friends of the young man who has had his life so tragically cut short.
“I have just spoken with Tata, who will of course be launching an investigation.”
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed the worker needed “urgent medical attention” following the accident.
A spokesman said: “We were called on Wednesday 25 September at approximately 1.58pm to reports of a person needing urgent medical attention after an accident with a machine at Tata Steelworks, Port Talbot.
“We responded with two ambulance officers, one emergency ambulance, two vehicles of our Hazardous Area Response Team and our crews were supported by the Wales Air Ambulance.”
Tata Steel confirmed the incident in a tweet and said a “full investigation” had been launched.
The firm said: “We have to report the sad news that a contractor colleague working at our Port Talbot site has died following an incident on the site today.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. A full investigation has been launched.”
It is understood the victim was a contractor who worked for MII engineering, a firm based in Caerphilly.
Earlier this month, another contractor was killed following an incident next to the Port Talbot works.
Contractor Adam Llewellyn, from Bridgend, died following an incident involving a quad bike on the grounds of Eglwys Nunudd Reservoir, Margam, on September 5.
In April, two workers were injured at the plant following an incident after several fires broke out when molten metal came into contact with cold water on a railway track.
A spokesperson for HSE said: “HSE is aware of the incident and is attending the scene to assist South Wales Police with their enquiries.”
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 2.06pm, firefighters from Port Talbot and Neath Fire Station responded to an incident at Tata Steel, Port Talbot. At this stage, we have no further information other than confirmation that it appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public.”
Councillor Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news from Tata Steel this afternoon.
“I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased and to his friends and colleagues. Port Talbot has strong links with Tata Steel and the workers at the plant, and I know that our local communities will be feeling a mixture of shock and sadness at this time. Tata has launched a full investigation into the incident and we stand ready to offer whatever support is required.”
Welsh Conservative shadow minister for economy and transport, Russell George AM, said: “My thoughts go to the family and friends of the person who has died today, and to the closeknit Tata Steel community in Port Talbot and across Wales.
“Heavy industry is a major part of the Welsh economy and we must make sure that these industries keep their employees safe while at work.”
Suzy Davies, regional AM for South Wales West, added: “Details are still sketchy but the news that someone has lost their life at Port Talbot steelworks is very saddening.
“I’m sure that the incident will be fully investigated and we will know more in due course, but for now our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of this poor individual.”
South Wales West AM Bethan Sayed said: “Very sad news coming out of Tata Port Talbot. My thoughts are with the family.
“I hope an investigation will be initiated in to what happened and that staff and the family directly affected will be supported and cared for.”
Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of Community, said: “This is absolutely tragic news and our thoughts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the worker who has been killed.
“We will be pressing Tata Steel to carry out a full investigation and ensuring that all lessons are learnt and procedures and processes are reviewed and necessary changes are implemented to ensure all workers at the Port Talbot plant are safe at work.”
Whenever there’s an accident or injury at the Tata steelworks in Port Talbot, minds drift back to the tragic events of 2001.
On November 8, 2001, a huge blast tore through Blast Furnace Number 5, lifting the 5,000 tonne structure around 0.75m from its base and releasing hot gases into the cast house.
The explosion sent flames shooting 100ft in the sky and covered the area with thick smoke, causing many casualties and three deaths.
There have also been other incidents since then, including in May 2005, when a Corus locomotive driver with 34 years experience was crushed to death.
Then, in April 2006, Kevin Downey fell into a stream of super-heated molten liquid after being engulfed in steam and left disorientated.