THE man who died following an horrific accident at a North-East recycling centre has been named as Simon Hogg from Darlington. 

The Northern Echo understands the accident involved a trommel machine, a large cylindrical drum used to separate waste, in operation at the regional recycling centre, near Newton Aycliffe, in County Durham.

The Northern Echo:

Police on Monday afternoon confirmed Mr Hogg, 47, was killed after becoming trapped in a machine at Wades Ltd in Newton Aycliffe.

Mr Hogg was pronounced dead at the scene and a 46-year-old man, also from Darlington, was taken to James Cook Hospital with leg injuries. His condition is described as stable.

Police and officials from the Health and Safety Executive were still at the scene on Monday investigating the circumstances of the incident which happened at about 12pm on Saturday, at the John Wade recycling centre in Aycliffe Quarry. 

The North-East Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 12.04pm to say there had been a serious accident. Two ambulances and the Great North Air Ambulance helicopter were sent to the quarry.

A spokeswoman said one patient was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough. Last night he was seriously ill in hospital, but the other man died from his injuries.

It is believed the two victims were employees of John Wade. 

Inspector Jill Dixon said: “Durham Constabulary can confirm that together with The Health and Safety executive an investigation is ongoing in relation to an incident which has occurred in the morning of Saturday, December 12, at Wade’s Quarry, Newton Aycliffe. 

“Unfortunately, as a result of the incident, one male has been fatally injured and one other male has suffered serious injuries. 

“The next of kin of the deceased male have been advised.”

A spokesman for The Health and Safety Executive said it was supporting the police investigation.
No one from John Wade Group was available to comment when approached at the scene by The Northern Echo on Sunday.