The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Co-op tragedy Lift engineer dies of his injuries after Perth shop accident.
Engineer succumbs to injuries in hospital following incident at supermarket
A 51-year-old man has tragically died in hospital following a serious industrial accident at a supermarket in Perth earlier this month.
Kenneth Heron, from Tranent in East Lothian, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday after being hurt while working on a lift at the Co-op store on Main Street, Bridgend, on October 11.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, rushed to the scene of the accident at around 7.30am with Police Scotland shutting down the busy street during rush hour as paramedics and firefighters attended to the stricken engineer.
Mr Heron was airlifted to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but died just under a week later.
Witnesses said they believed Mr Heron was injured towards the rear of the store.
A full multi-agency investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death and a report submitted to the procurator fiscal.
The Co-op said that health and safety was a “key concern” of theirs and they were liaising with the relative authorities to aid the investigation.
A shop spokesperson said: “We are very saddened to hear about the death of Kenneth Heron and no words can help ease his family’s loss, who are uppermost in our thoughts.
“We have been in touch with his employer to offer our support.”
Depute First Minister and local MSP John Swinney sent his condolences to Mr Heron’s family.
The Perthshire MSP said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of this news.
“I send my deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends, along with all those affected by this tragedy.”
Police Scotland confirmed that Mr Heron had succumbed to his injuries late last week.
A spoksperson for the force said: “Officers attended a shop on Main Street, Perth, on the morning of Friday October 11 following a report of an industrial accident within the premises.
“A 51-year-old man was taken to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee for treatment, but died of his injuries on Thursday October 17.
“A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.
“Inquiries are ongoing and Police Scotland is currently jointly working with staff from Perth and Kinross Council’s Health and Safety Department.”