Two men killed in 'freak' glass accident at Hitchin Town FC car park

Two men died and a third was injured after a "freak" accident involving glass panels in the overflow car park at Hitchin Town Football Club on Saturday afternoon, police said.

Hertfordshire Police said officers were called to the Fishpond Road ground at about 2pm on 6 September after reports that two men had been seriously injured while unloading glass panels from a lorry. The two men died at the scene and their next of kin have been informed; a third man sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said enquiries into the cause of the incident are ongoing and detectives remained on site. The force said it was treating the event as a serious incident while investigators work to establish the circumstances that led to the injuries.

Haulage company Martello confirmed it had been delivering a container to the stadium but said it was not responsible for opening the container or unloading it. A company spokesman said it had "very few details of the incident" and did not know whether the men were employees or how the injuries occurred.

Hitchin Town FC, one of England's oldest football clubs with roots dating to 1865, issued a statement offering "deepest sympathy and sincere condolences" to the families of those who died and said the club had "very little" further information while police inquiries continue. The club said its scheduled FA Cup Second Qualifying Round match against St Albans City was due to go ahead as planned and it was expecting a large attendance.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it sent two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, a critical care paramedic car and a community first responder to the scene.

Witnesses and locals described a heavy emergency services presence in the car park and around the ground, which was cordoned off with police tape and where a large Martello HGV was seen beside the pitch. Social media users in the market town expressed shock and sympathy for the victims and their families.

Hitchin, a town of about 35,000 in north Hertfordshire, is known for its historic centre and strong local ties to the football club, which plays a central role in the community. Club officials said they would support relatives and those affected while the investigation continues.

Hertfordshire Police reiterated that enquiries remain ongoing and asked anyone with information or relevant footage to contact officers. Martello and the club said they would co-operate with investigators. Further updates were expected as detectives examine the scene and collate witness accounts.