Tribute to Wembley death worker (From This Is Local London)

Tribute to Wembley death worker

9:09am Friday 23rd January 2004 in

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Neighbour Peter Walsh has paid tribute to construction worker Patrick Sullivan who was crushed to death when scaffolding collapsed at the National Stadium building site.

The father-of-two, of Regina Terrace, West Ealing, died after the accident at the former Wembly Stadium site last Thursday morning.

Mr Sullivan's neighbours described the 54-year-old's death as a tragic loss.

Mr Walsh, 75, also of Regina Terrace, has known Mr Sullivan for more than 30 years.

He told the Times: "He was very friendly. We used to see him come home all the time he was always such a busy man but we always got on.

"It's really tragic. Nobody had a bad word to say about him he was well liked. We can't believe he's gone."

Another man, who has not been named, was seriously injured in the same accident and was taken to the Central Middlesex Hospital in Park Royal. A spokesman confirmed he was still being treated for serious leg injuries, but was in a stable condition.

It is believed a raised platform collapsed without warning and fell about 100ft feet onto the workmen.

The Health and Safety Executive was informed, and the site closed for the rest of the day. It reopened as usual on Friday. Multiplex Construction UK, the company responsible for the design and building of the new stadium, said: "Our immediate concern is for both men involved and their families, and we have launched an urgent investigation.

"But it is far too early to determine precisely what occurred. Safety and security procedures are paramount on our construction sites and the welfare of workers will never be compromised.

"We are working and co-operating fully with the Health and Safety Executive in its own investigation into this incident. Both will determine precisely what happened."

The Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU), which has been campaigning for improved safety on construction sites, said both men were members.

Bob Blackman, the TGWU's national secretary for construction, said that it would co-operate fully with the investigation.

"We are deeply saddened by the news. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the worker's family, friends and colleagues," he said.

By USHMA MISTRY and JENNIFER BRADLY