In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, two pest control workers were found frozen to death inside a narrow space at the Attleborough chicken factory in Norfolk. Jonathan Collins, 34, and Neil Moon, 49, both subcontractors, were discovered in the early hours of October 4, 2018, with frost on the floor and their hands and faces frozen.
The heartbreaking news has left the families of the deceased devastated. Mr. Collins' family described him as a "devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him." Mr. Moon's widow, who wished to remain anonymous, remembered him as "the most amazing husband and father." His son called him "my hero and the best father I could've ever asked for," while his daughter expressed her deep sorrow, saying, "I will miss him so much and cherish all the memories we had together."
Assistant coroner Christopher Leach, during a hearing at the Norfolk Coroner's Court, revealed the grim details of the scene where the bodies were found. He stated, "They were discovered in a narrow space between an exterior wall of the factory and the wall of the railway station. Both men had frozen hands and faces, and there was evidence of frost on the floor."
The tragic incident has led to a major investigation by the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, working alongside the Health and Safety Executive. Last week, Norfolk Police confirmed that two companies, Banham Poultry Limited and Air Products PLC, are being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter and failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Banham Poultry Limited, which went into administration in October 2018, faces 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 same act.
Both companies are required to attend Norwich Magistrates' Court on July 9, 2024. It is important to note that the current owners of Banham Poultry are not connected to the incident nor involved in the legal proceedings, as the ownership of the business has changed twice since the tragedy occurred.
The devastating loss of Jonathan Collins and Neil Moon has left their families, friends, and colleagues in shock and mourning. The incident has also raised serious questions about the safety measures and working conditions at the Attleborough chicken factory. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is hoped that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The pre-inquest review has been scheduled for December 11, 2024, as the investigation continues. The families of the deceased, along with the community, await answers and closure in this heart-wrenching case that has left an indelible mark on all those affected by the loss of these two hardworking and beloved individuals.
