Two men killed unloading glass panels at Hitchin Town FC car park
Hertfordshire Police say two men died and a third was slightly injured after a lorry load of glass panels was being unloaded at the club’s overflow car park; inquiries under way
Two men died and a third man was treated for minor injuries after a "freak" accident while unloading glass panels from a lorry in the overflow car park of Hitchin Town Football Club, Hertfordshire Police said.
Officers attended the incident at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, after reports that two men were seriously injured. Paramedics pronounced both men dead at the scene, and their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers, a police spokesperson said.
A Hertfordshire Police statement said the men "were unloading glass panels from a lorry parked in the overflow car park" when they were injured. A third man sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. "The incident is currently under investigation and enquiries continue," the force added.
Hitchin Town FC, one of England’s oldest football clubs, has not yet commented on the incident. The club traces its roots back to 1865 and competed in the early FA Cup competitions; it is currently in the Southern League Division One Central, the eighth tier of English football.
The market town of Hitchin lies in North Hertfordshire within commuting distance of London and is the childhood home of former professional players including Jack Wilshere and Kevin Phillips. Local emergency services attended the scene on Saturday and police officers remain involved in inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the accident.
Hertfordshire Police said family liaison officers are supporting the families of the deceased. No further details about the identities of the men or the cause of the accident were released pending those notifications and ongoing enquiries.
Investigations into workplace incidents involving heavy or fragile loads commonly involve police and other agencies to establish how the event occurred, but Hertfordshire Police did not indicate which other bodies, if any, were assisting in this case. Authorities asked anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward to assist enquiries.
No prosecutions, witnesses' accounts or additional findings have been reported publicly at this stage. The force said it would provide updates when appropriate as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.