Skip driver killed on canal bank

A 37-YEAR-old man was crushed to death when his skip lorry pinned him to a house wall in Hebden Bridge yesterday.Nigel Hutchinson, of Spring Mill Fold, Wainstalls, Halifax, was transferring skips when the accident happened bet-ween Fountain Street, and the Rochdale Canal, Hebble End, around 11 am. An air ambulance was called but after being treated at the scene he was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital by road and later pronounced dead. His distraught fiancee Joanne Swale is being comforted at the couple's terraced home. "He was a nice chap and always has been. He loved me and I loved him,'' she said. "I am devastated. You do not expect your partner to go to work and then this.'' Mr Hutchinson, who had a child from a previous relationship, worked for Envirowaste, of Swales Moor Road, Halifax. He had reversed his vehicle along the canal bank to the corner of Fountain Street where a former mill is being converted into apartments. A Todmorden ambulance crew were at the scene within minutes and the vehicle was then moved slightly to free the unconscious Mr Hutchinson. Despite efforts to resuscitate him by the crew and hospital staff Mr Hutchinson lost his battle for life. Mrs Liz Whiteley, operational ambulance service supervisor, said it appeared Mr Hutchinson got out of his vehicle to put down its stabilisers on the other side. It then tipped over and he was pinned to the wall by the side of the vehicle.Mr Hutchinson was trapped for about 15 minutes and didn't have a pulse when freed. "It was a difficult job made worse with the lorry blocking the towpath,'' said Mrs Whiteley. The crew had to transfer Mr Hutchinson and equipment to and from the ambulance through a house in Fountain Street. The Health and Safety Executive were called out and have started an investigation into the tragedy. The West Yorkshire Coroner Mr Roger Whittaker has been informed. A post mortem examination was due to be carried out and an inquest will be opened and adjourned next week. Miss Polly Webber, of the Alternative Technology Centre, near the canal said the building work started several months ago and heavy vehicles reversing on the canal bank had caused concern and fears of an accident. Source: Halifax Courier