'Towns like Corby have always looked after their own' says Government minister after tubeworks tragedy
A minister who once worked for British Steel has expressed his sadness after the death of a worker at Corby’s Tata tubeworks.
The much-loved local man, who has not been formally named, died in an incident at Tata steel tubeworks in Weldon Road on Tuesday (January 13).
A police and Health & Safety Executive investigation is under way at the plant, where devastated workers were sent home after the incident.
Now Industry Minister Chris McDonald, who began his career at British Steel in Hartlepool before going on to study chemical engineering at Cambridge, has offered his condolences to the family of the man who died.
Mr McDonald said: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident reported today, and my thoughts are with the family who have lost a loved one. No words can ease that pain, but I hope they know they are in the thoughts of people right across the country.
“My condolences also go to colleagues who have lost a workmate, and to a community that has lost a valued member. Events like this are felt far beyond the gates of a workplace,
“Those of us who have worked in and around industrial plants understand the skill, pride and professionalism involved, as well as the risks that can come with the job. It is vital that those affected are given the support they need, and that the appropriate authorities are able to fully understand what has happened. I understand the company is cooperating fully with police and the Health and Safety Executive.
“Industrial towns like Corby have always looked after their own, and I know people will come together to support one another in the days ahead.”
The investigation into the incident, believed to have involved a side-loader, is ongoing.
Tata is expected to remain closed for the rest of the week.