AN ILLEGAL immigrant who died after his head became trapped in an industrial vehicle was unlawfully killed, a jury has ruled.

The inquest found that Blackburn Skip Hire Ltd, of Lower Hollins Lane, ‘comprehensively failed in its duty of care’ to employee, Amin Qabil, 25, who died from multiple head injuries in August last year.

Police will now consider reopening a criminal investigation after consulting with health and safety chiefs who have been leading the investigation.

Mr Qabil, originally from Afghanistan, was living illegally in Blackburn, after ‘going on the run’ from the Home Office, the inquest heard.

He had been sleeping in an office at the firm’s industrial unit and working for his friend, managing director of Blackburn Skip Hire, Mohammed Zarif, who gave evidence to the inquest, the hearing was told.

Speaking at the inquest, held in Blackburn Town Hall, Health and Safety officer Matt Greenly, said: “The Belle shovel loader with which Mr Qabil became entangled had a catalogue of safety faults, the most serious of which was the lack of a vital safety bar, which had been removed from the cab area.

“That feature would have protected Mr Qabil as the loader cannot move if it’s in place.

“The vehicle had also had its engine speed manually increased and could only be turned off by removing a fuse, even after the ignition key was removed.”

No evidence was entered on who had made the modifications to the shovel loader, which had been purchased ‘cheaply’, some months earlier, the inquest heard.

Mr Qabil, who was in the building alone at the time of the incident, was found inside the industrial unit just after midnight on August 22 by Mr Zarif, who called emergency services.

Investigators believe he was either getting on or off the vehicle when the bucket lifter crushed his head against the frame of the cab.

After deliberating for around 90 minutes, a jury of six men and four women delivered a verdict of unlawful killing.

Authorities will now decide whether to bring criminal charges, which could include gross negligent manslaughter against Blackburn Skip Hire Ltd and/or its directors.

Mr Greenly, who led the HSE investigation, added: “I will be speaking to police shortly about the jury’s findings and the HSE will continue to work hand in hand with detectives investigating the case.”