A worker has died after being trapped under two wheels of a 40-tonne lorry for more than an hour.

The man, aged 40, was in a critical condition after the accident in Low Street Brickworks, Station Road, East Tilbury, but died in hospital.

When fire crews arrived they discovered the man had got trapped under two wheels at the rear of the articulated lorry, which was loaded with dirt and dust, and parked outside the gates of the scrap metal yard where he works.

Two fire crews from Orsett and rescue crews from Grays and Leigh battled to free the man at about 1pm yesterday. Sub-officer Neil Smith, from Orsett, said: "He was working at the back of the lorry and got trapped at the back."

Any witnesses to the incident, or anyone who can help the investigation into what happened, should call Russell Jardine, at Laindon Road Policing Unit, on 01268 541312.

Published Tuesday, August 5, 2003

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