Investigation continues into Parkway tragedy

Heavy Rescue Unit deployed to Parkway scene as investigation into death of construction worker continues

POLICE are continuing to investigate the death of a 41-year old construction worker at the Parkway site in Newbury this morning (Wednesday).

The incident occurred at the £150 million Costain development in Northbrook Street at around 9.10am when the construction vehicle the man was driving toppled over.

At noon, Newbury town centre police inspector Dave Milsom has given a briefing on the incident, in which he confirmed police were in the process of informing the man's next of kin.

Police could not confirm whether the body had been recovered, such was the impact of the vehicle's fall which shed rubble onto the street opposite the McDonald's restaurant.

Newbury fire station's Heavy Rescue Unit, which is currently under threat of being axed due to budget cuts, was deployed to the site to assist.

Work has halted at the Parkway site for the new shopping complex, set to open in October, and it is not known when construction will resume.

Insp Milsom said Northbrook Street remains closed and will do so "for some time."

The identity of the man who died has not been released, and it is not known whether the man was British.

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police, Marianne Stockton, said the man was pronounced dead at the scene, and that the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene following the incident, with fire crews helping police clear up the rubble.

A spokesperson for Parkway, Christina Gillings, said: “We can confirm that there has been an accident at Parkway this morning which has sadly resulted in the fatality of one of our site team.

"Our sincere condolences are with the family at this difficult time and we are assisting the authorities in every way we can."