Father and son die after falling into slurry tank at a Cheshire farm
A father and son have tragically died after falling into an industrial slurry tank in Cheshire.
Tributes have been paid to Alan Ford, 72, and his son Rick, 42, by the Cheshire Agricultural Society, which said the two men ‘worked tirelessly’ in the farming industry for years.
Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, were called out to the scene at a farm in Aston by Budworth, near Northwhich, to reports of an ‘industrial accident’ on Wednesday (26 August) shortly before 12.30pm.
According to reports, both the men had been working at the site when they fell into the slurry tank.
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Upon arrival first responders pulled the men from the tank, but despite their best efforts were unable to save them.
A post on the Royal Cheshire County Show Facebook page said: “As chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society it is with profound sadness that I have to announce the untimely death of our past chairman Alan Ford and his son Rick following a tragic farming accident yesterday.
“Alan retired as chairman and director of the society in April this year and Rick has been a director of the society for several years.
“The Ford family have worked tirelessly for the society for many years and both Alan and Rick will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew them.
“We wish to extend our thoughts, sympathy and prayers to the families at this very difficult time.”
The post has since been flooded with tributes from those who knew the men, with one writing: “Absolutely gutted two of the kindest hard working men in this country. True gentleman.”
Another said: “Such a tragedy. Alan only retired as Chairman of the Society this year. He always had time to chat with everyone at the AGM and President’s lunch. RIP Alan and Rick.”
As yet the names of the two men have not been confirmed by Cheshire Police, but the force has confirmed that an investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances around the incident and the men’s next of kin had been informed.
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “At around 12.20pm on Thursday 26 August, police were called to an industrial incident at a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth.
“Police, fire and ambulance attended the scene and on arrival they found that two men had fallen into an industrial silage tank.
“The men, aged 72 and 42, were rescued from the tank by emergency services, but sadly despite the best efforts of all those involved, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Next of kin have been informed and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The family have requested for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”
According to GB News, the force later confirmed that it was a slurry tank.
Cann Lane was closed while emergency services responded to the incident but has since reopened.
A slurry tank is specially designed for safely storing agricultural waste, such as animal waste, urine and other materials until it can be safely used as fertiliser.
Claire Reid