Mystery after two chicken factory workers found dead with frozen faces and hands

13 June 2024 , 08:53

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Neil Moon and Jonathan Collins were both found dead at the site of a chicken factory in Norfolk in 2018

Two men were found dead with frozen bodies at a chicken factory in a horrifying mystery.

Pest controllers Jonathan Collins and Neil Moon were discovered in the early hours of October 4, 2018, at the Banham Poultry factory in Attleborough, Norfolk. Jonathan, 34, and 49-year-old Neil had both been working as subcontractors at the time when they were found in a crawlspace with frozen hands and faces.

Tributes were paid to both men at the time, with Jonathan's family describing him as a "devoted family man who will continue to be loved and missed by all those who knew him".

Banham Poultry in Attleborough, Norfolk where two men were found dead with frozen hands and faces

Neil's widow, who did not give her name, described him in a previous tribute as "the most amazing husband and father". His son described him as "my hero and the best father I could've ever asked for", and his daughter said: "I will miss him so much and cherish all the memories we had together."

Police confirmed last week that two companies were now being prosecuted for corporate manslaughter over the tragedy. Now a pre-inquest review has heard how frost was found on the floor by the factory building where the pair were found.

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Assistant coroner Christopher Leach told Norfolk coroner's court: "They were discovered in a narrow space between an exterior wall of the factory and the wall of the railway station. Both men had frozen hands and faces and there was evidence of frost on the floor. This inquest is currently suspended and therefore it is not appropriate to proceed into an inquest at this stage."

Police outside Banham Poultry in Norfolk in 2018 after Jonathan and Neil's bodies were discovered on the site

Another review hearing has been listed for December this year. Jonathan and Neil's deaths are being probed by Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, alongside the Health and Safety Executive. A possible refrigeration gas leak is being looked into as a line of investigation, Norfolk Police said.

Norfolk Police said: "Banham Poultry Limited, which went into administration in October 2018, is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and two counts of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Air Products PLC is being prosecuted for two counts of corporate manslaughter and one count of failing to discharge duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974."

Both firms are due to appear at Norwich Magistrates Court on July 9. Banham Poultry has since changed hands, with the current owners of the firm having no connection to the men's deaths or legal proceedings.

Susie Beever