A probe has been launched after a pair of pest control workers were found frozen to death at a Chicken factory, a pre-inquest review has heard.
The bodies of Jonathan Collins, 34, and Neil Moon, 49, were discovered in a narrow crawl space between Attleborough chicken factory and a railway station in the early hours of July 4, 2018.
Both their hands and faces were frozen solid and there was frost on the floor, assistant coroner Christopher Leach said.
He added: “This inquest is currently suspended and therefore it is not appropriate to proceed into an inquest at this stage.”
The bodies of Jonathan Collins, 34 and Neil Moon, 49, were discovered at Attleborough chicken factoryPA/Norfolk PoliceAn additional pre-inquest review is set to take place on December 11, 2024.
Last week, Norfolk Police confirmed that two companies are being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter and are required to attend Norwich Magistrates’ Court on July 9.
The force had previously said that a potential refrigeration gas leak could be a factor in the mysterious deaths of the pest control subcontractors.
A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “Banham Poultry Limited, which went into administration in October 2018, is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
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Banham Poultry Limited is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
PA
“Air Products PLC is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.”
Since the tragedy in 2018, the ownership of the business has changed twice, and the current owners are not involved in the legal case.
The family of Collins, from Watton, Norfolk, said that he was a “devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him”.
Moon, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, left behind a widow who has hailed him as “the most amazing husband and father”.
Since the tragedy in 2018, the ownership of the business has changed twice
PA
His son called him his “hero and the best father I could've ever asked for”, whilst his daughter said: “I will miss him so much and cherish all the memories we had together.”
In a statement to Sky News, Air Products said: “We remain deeply saddened by the deaths of Moon and Collins at the site of our customer, Banham Poultry.
“Since the tragic incident, we have worked closely with the police and health and safety authorities throughout their investigation.
“Unfortunately we are not able to provide further comment at this time given legal proceedings."
GB News has contacted Banham Poultry for comment.
