HSE investigation after canal volunteer dies in wall collapse
A canal volunteer has died while working at Pewsham Locks in Wiltshire, after a lock wall he was excavating collapsed on him.
Peter Konitzer, 63, from Chippenham, was airlifted to the Great Western Hospital, in Swindon, but died of his injuries.
A post-mortem examination is now due to take place.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation has been launched.
The HSE said Mr Konitzer was working on excavations at Upper Pewsham Lock on the outskirts of Chippenham when a lock wall collapsed on top of him.
Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust said its work to preserve and improve the route of the canal and was the “largest and most complex waterway restoration project now taking place in the UK”.
In a statement the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust said: “The trust would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our volunteer.
“We would also like to thank the emergency services who responded so rapidly and gave such care to our volunteers at the scene.
“The trust is co-operating fully with the investigations carried out by the HSE and the police to establish the background to this tragedy and any lessons we need to learn from it.
“The trust is also providing support for the other volunteers who were on site and for family and friends.”
HSE investigation after canal volunteer dies in wall collapse
A canal volunteer has died while working at Pewsham Locks in Wiltshire, after a lock wall he was excavating collapsed
Lauren Applebey
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