The bodies of two pest control workers were found frozen after entering a factory where toxic gas had accumulated, as revealed in court proceedings.
Neil Moon, aged 49, and Jonathan ‘Jon’ Collins, aged 34, were tragically discovered deceased at Banham Poultry in Norfolk on October 4, 2018, after concerned family members alerted the authorities when they did not return home.
The families of the victims expressed profound grief upon learning that the men succumbed to asphyxiation due to nitrogen gas buildup in a narrow walkway at the chicken factory. Norwich Crown Court was informed that the men had accessed the pathway during routine pest control tasks without any prior warning of the deadly gas presence.
According to prosecutors, the absence of cautionary signs at the site constituted a severe safety oversight, leading to what was described as a reckless incident. The court heard that the men were fatally exposed to a colorless and odorless gas without being alerted to the imminent danger upon entering the confined space.
The lifeless bodies of the workers were discovered in a corridor, evidencing frozen extremities, after they were last spotted alive on CCTV footage entering the factory premises in the morning and failing to return home that evening.
The toxic gas leak originated from a disconnected duct pipe linked to the chicken processing plant’s cooling system, causing a concentrated release of nitrogen into the restricted area where the workers had ventured.
Previous concerns had been raised regarding mist emissions near the railway platform close to the factory, prompting modifications to the system ahead of the tragic incident. However, the court was informed that the safety revisions were inadequately implemented, placing the workers at risk.
Banham Poultry Limited and Air Products plc have acknowledged their responsibility for health and safety violations that directly contributed to the workers’ deaths.
During the court proceedings, statements from the families highlighted the enduring anguish and loss experienced. Jon’s wife expressed her distress over the delayed acknowledgment of accountability by the companies involved, emphasizing the devastating impact of the incident on their lives.
The sentencing phase is expected to conclude following a two-day hearing.
