Lightning bolt kills bricklayer on building site

AN INQUEST is due to be opened today into the death of a bricklayer who was killed by a bolt of lightning on a building site.

Justin Feber, pictured right, was having a cup of tea on the building site at Wychwood Village, near Crewe, when the tragedy struck on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old was standing with both feet on the ground and was not touching anything metallic when he collapsed following a flash of lightning and a loud bang.

The father-of-one was given first aid at the scene but later died at Crewe's Leighton Hospital.

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Another man needed treatment for shock.

Around five people are killed by a lightning bolt in the UK every year.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Emergency services were called following a report of a man being struck by lightning.

"A 41-year-old man, who had been working on a building site, was treated by paramedics at the scene.

"Sadly, he died a short time later at Leighton Hospital.

"A second man, suffering from shock, was also taken to Leighton Hospital."

He added: "Police attended the scene and confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.

"A file will now be prepared for the coroner."

Justin, who lived in Lancashire, was working as a sub-contractor on a Bovis Homes development at Abbey Park Way when he was killed.

The firm has offered its condolences to Justin's family and pledged its support to colleagues who had witnessed the incident.

A Bovis Homes spokesman said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and extend our sincere sympathies to this man's family and friends.

"Our thoughts are with them and with his colleagues, who were with him on site and responded immediately to the incident.

"They have obviously been deeply affected by this and we will look to support them."

The Health and Safety Executive has already been informed about Justin's death.

But it confirmed it will not be not investigating the incident because the death is regarded as a one in a 10 million accident.

A spokesman said: "This incident is not something that the Health and Safety Executive would normally investigate because it was the result of a freak natural occurrence."

Justin was employed by Lancashire-based Matthews and Leigh Civil Engineering.

Managing director Andy Leigh said: "Justin was well-liked, highly professional and held in high regard by all those who worked with him."

He added: "Our thoughts are with all who knew him at this very sad time."