Two men have died following a fall into an industrial silage tank at a farm in Cheshire. The workers, aged 42 and 72, fell into the tank at approximately 12:20 BST on Wednesday while working at the farm in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich, according to Cheshire Police.
Emergency services including police officers, firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the farm on Cann Lane. Rescue teams successfully extracted both men from the tank, but despite their efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation launched
Cheshire Police has begun an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident. The force confirmed that the families of the deceased have been notified and have asked for their privacy to be respected during this difficult period.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with agricultural work. Farm-related accidents involving silage tanks have been a recurring concern in the UK, as these structures present significant hazards to workers. Similar incidents have occurred at other agricultural sites across the country, underscoring the importance of safety protocols and proper training when working with large industrial equipment on farms.
Scene closure
Cann Lane was closed to traffic while emergency services attended to the incident and conducted their initial response. The road remained cordoned off during the rescue operation and subsequent investigation at the scene.
Silage tanks are large storage structures commonly found on farms, used to preserve animal feed. Working near or around such tanks requires careful adherence to safety procedures, and incidents involving falls into these tanks can be particularly dangerous due to the nature of the stored material and the depth of the containers.
