Two men die after falling into slurry tank
© Adobe Stock A father and son who died after falling into a slurry tank at a farm in Cheshire have been named as Alan Ford, 72, and his son Rick Ford, 42.
Emergency services were called to a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich, at about 12.20pm on Wednesday 26 August following reports of an industrial incident.
Cheshire Constabulary said officers, firefighters and air and land ambulance crews attended the scene and found that two men had fallen into the tank. Both were recovered by emergency service personnel but were pronounced dead at the scene.
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The victims were identified in a statement posted on the Royal Cheshire County Show Facebook page on behalf of the Cheshire Agricultural Society.
The statement, attributed to the society’s chairman, said: “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.”
Paying tribute, the society added: “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.”
Alan Ford had served as chairman of the Cheshire Agricultural Society before retiring in April, while his son Rick had been a director of the organisation for several years.
Police statement
A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary said: “Next of kin have been informed and an investigation is under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The family have requested for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”
Cann Lane was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.
It remains unclear what work was being carried out at the time of the accident or how the two men came to fall into the tank. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing.