The event occurred in a cul-de-sac on Beeston Park Terrace when a disposal vehicle hit a telegraph pole which then fell and hit a 55-year-old refuse collector on the head.
A statement released by West Yorkshire Police said: “A white refuse disposal vehicle was reversing along the cul-de-sac, away from Town Street, at around 8am when it was in collision with a wooden telegraph pole. The telegraph pole then fell and struck a 55-year-old refuse worker on the head, causing fatal injuries.”
West Yorkshire Police are now calling on witnesses to the incident to come forward, particularly anyone who left Beeston Park Terrace by vehicle around the time of the collision.
A Leeds city council spokeswoman confirmed that a council vehicle was involved.
She said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our vehicles in Beeston [yesterday] morning. The police are investigating what happened, therefore it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”
And, speaking to letsrecycle.com today, the Health and Safety Executive said it was now working with West Yorkshire Police to investigate the incident. A spokeswoman said: “The HSE is aware of the incident and are currently investigating with West Yorkshire Police.”
The HSE confirmed that the West Yorkshire Police were the primary investigators on the case and that there was nothing further to add at this time.
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