Two workmates have been hailed heroes for saving their pals' lives when a steel container crashed down on them.

Dave Binyon and Malcolm Whitmore leaped into action when the container fell onto their two colleagues, trapping both by their legs on Friday at 3.30pm.

They used a nearby crane to lift the heavy container off the men. The container had toppled over when the lorry carrying it got stuck in mud.

A fireman said the actions of Mr Binyon and Mr Whitmore saved their colleagues from more serious injuries.

"These men are heroes," he said. The incident happened in the yard of Advante Strategic Site Services, in Paycocke Road, Basildon.

The two injured men, both in their 20s, were taken to hospital with severe leg injuries. Their names have not been released.

Nobody was available for comment at Advante.

Published Monday August 30, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo