A farm worker was electrocuted this month after the combine harvester he was driving clipped power lines. The Nottingham University graduate who was working at Crystal Palace Farm in Wiltshire, later died in hospital from his injuries. As he worked in fields at the farm at Upper Chute near Ludgershall, on Monday 6 August 2007, the combine harvester he was driving touched overhead power cables. Colleagues ran to help him and paramedics tried in vain to resuscitate him on site, both risking injury to themselves as the machinery was still in contact with the live power cables
The graduate who was employed by contractor Velcourt was airlifted to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, by the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. But despite medical aid, he died in hospital. A post mortem has since been carried out and an inquest into the death opened and adjourned at Salisbury Coroners Court. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has inspected the combine harvester and a full joint investigation with Wilshire Police will take place to determine the exact reasons behind the fatal accident.
