Emergency services were called to the Wades Ltd – also known locally as the John Wade Group Ltd – Aycliffe Quarry plant at 12.04pm to reports of a serious accident.
The victim, named by police as Simon Hogg, 47, from Darlington, died on the scene after becoming trapped in a machine at Wades Ltd in Newton Aycliffe.
A 46-year-old man from Darlington, who has not been named, was taken to James Cook Hospital with serious leg injuries. His condition is described as stable.
Police and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are investigating the incident. According to local newspaper reports, the machine involved is understood to be a trommel for the separation of waste fines.
North East Ambulance Service said poor weather conditions had hindered a request for an air ambulance.
A spokeswoman said: “We were called to reports of two casualties at the site at 12.04pm. There was a request for an air ambulance to go but due to the weather conditions they were unable to fly.
“The first ambulance was on the scene at 12.14pm and took one of the casualties to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.”
Investigation
A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary added: “Durham Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive are working together to determine the circumstances of Mr. Hogg’s death. The investigation is continuing with many officers from both agencies still at the scene.”
Based in County Durham, Wades Ltd is the company of local businessman John Wade, known in the area for racehorse training and arable farming.
According to the firm’s website, its waste division has seen ‘considerable’ growth in recent years with the Aycliffe Quarry utilised as a licenced landfill site, while the company has also invested in its recycling facility. The Group works with a number of local authorities.
When contacted by letsrecycle.com, Wades Ltd was not available for comment on the incident.
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