Tata Steel worker dies after incident at plant

A Tata Steel worker has died after an incident at the company's plant in Corby.

The firm confirmed he was fatally injured at the Northamptonshire site on Tuesday.

A spokesperson said it was investigating and "cooperating fully" with the police and Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and added: "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to our colleague's friends and family."

Northamptonshire Police said it was called to the factory in Weldon Road at about 13:00 GMT to "reports of a sudden death".

Lee Barron, Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said it was "tragic news" and his thoughts were with the man's friends and family.

"Nobody should ever go to work and not return home," he said.

"I will be contacting his family to offer my heartfelt condolences and any support I can give."

Chris McDonald, Labour's industry minister, said: "My condolences go to colleagues who have lost a workmate, and to a community that has lost a valued member.

"It is vital that those affected are given the support they need, and that the appropriate authorities are able to fully understand what has happened.

"Industrial towns like Corby have always looked after their own, and I know people will come together to support one another in the days ahead."

Simon Rielly, the leader of Corby Town Council, said he was "deeply saddened".

"This is a devastating loss, and our thoughts are with all who are grieving," added Rielly, who is a Labour councillor.

"Corby's identity has long been shaped by its steelworkers and their families.

"The workforce, and the unions that represent them, are part of the fabric of this town.

"When tragedy strikes at the workplace, it is felt not only across the site but across our whole community.

"Our community stands together with the family, with the workforce, and with all those affected by this tragic event."

A HSE spokesperson said it was working alongside Northamptonshire Police to establish what had happened.

Grace Owusu, who works as a cleaner at the plant, said she had been told on Wednesday morning about the man's death and was "very, very sad".

She said she did not know him well, but he was "always friendly".

"He puts a smile on his face every day when you see him," she added.

"Everybody is sad."

The steel sector in Corby once employed thousands of workers, but the figure now is about 500.

Employees and campaigners were devastated by the closure of most of its steelworks in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to an unemployment rate in the town of 30%.

Tubes from the Tata Steel factory have previously been used in structures such the London Eye.

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