A WORKER has been crushed to death in an horrific accident with a tipper truck.

Graham Thomas, 31, died from multiple head injuries when a raised part of the truck fell on top of him.

He was working with two colleagues on Fern Gore Avenue, Accrington, when the accident happened at about 1pm yesterday.(fri)

He is believed to have been a contractor for Kennedy Utility Management Ltd which was carrying out road repairs on behalf of Norweb after electrical work on nearby properties.

Keith Riding, who owns a chip shop on Fern Gore Avenue was one of the first people on the scene after the accident and said: "Me and my wife were in the shop when I heard this scream.

"It was a horrible scream and I thought the workmen were having trouble with the kids. Then one of them was on the phone asking for help. I ran round to where the man was lying and I have never seen anything like it in my life.

"I was the first person there and all his friend was saying was check his pulse, check his pulse. I knew I couldn't do anything for him. I couldn't even look at him. I just came away.

"Everybody round here is really upset by it all."

It is thought Mr Thomas from Heywood, Bury, had been checking the diesel under the wagon when the tipper section fell on him.

Sergeant Stuart Isherwood, of Accrington Police, said: "It would seem that for some reason the tipper section of the lorry has come down on to him and caused fatal head injuries.

"He was certified dead at the scene.

"We have informed his relatives."

Sgt Isherwood said roads surrounding the area were closed for about three hours and the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.