Worker killed by falling beam at Swan Hunter

A worker has been killed at the Swan Hunter shipyard in Wallsend, Sunderland, after he was thrown from a boom lift during demolition work.

The 55-year-old is thought to have died after a falling beam struck the platform, causing it to throw him to the ground.

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "The alarm was caused by a workman believed to be trapped under machinery while working on a building under demolition.

"When fire crews arrived they found a 55-year-old man had been operating a cherry picker which was overturned by a falling structural beam from the roof of the building.

"He had been thrown clear and was lying in one to two inches of water.

"He was taken to North Tyneside General Hospital."

A spokesman from Swan Hunter said: "An investigation is under way with the Health and Safety Executive and we cannot comment any further."