Man sadly dies in horrific industrial accident at Milton Keynes factory

An emergency incident at a Milton Keynes bakery factory has ended in tragedy with the death of a 61-year-old man.

On the 9th October 2023, at approximately 12:45, a serious accident took place involving two contractors working at Lantmännen Unibake’s Milton Keynes factory.

The specialist contractors were undertaking a planned refurbishment of a baking line prover inside the bakery when they fell. Tragically, one of these individuals has passed away.

Workers watched in horror as one of the men dropped into a giant machine used for proving dough.

Efforts were made to help them at the scene before the ambulances, the air ambulance, police and fire engines arrived.

Both men were critically injured and police have now confirmed that one of them, who was aged 61, sadly died.

His colleague, also his 60s, is receiving treatment for serious injuries at John Radcliffe Hospital.

The men were taking panels off the roof so a large piece of machinery could be lifted out of the factory, where high quality frozen bakery products are made.

"It was gut-wrenching to see and we’re all in shock,” an eyewitness told the MK Citizen.

“People tried to help but there was not a lot we could do.”

The men were not employed by Lantmannen, but were contractors bought in to help remove the machine from the factory floor.

Wendy Smith, Managing Director, Lantmännen Unibake said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible accident, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those affected and their families. We are offering support to all employees across the business affected by this.

“We are working closely with all parties including the Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).”

The Health and Safety Executive is this week investigating what went wrong and whether the accident could have been prevented.