Two men have died after falling into an industrial-sized slurry tank at a farm in Cheshire.
The men, aged 72 and 42, fell into the tank at a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich, at around 12.20pm on Thursday 26 August.
Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance crews, were called to the scene and rescued both men from the tank.
Despite the efforts of emergency crews, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Cheshire Police said the men's next of kin had been informed and an investigation was under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A section of Cann Lane was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.
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 sileage tank.
“The men, aged 72 and 42, were rescued from the tank by emergency services, buy 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.”
The deaths come amid longstanding concerns over the dangers associated with slurry and confined farm tanks.
A number of previous incidents have highlighted the potentially fatal risks of entering slurry tanks, particularly where toxic gases may be present.
In December 2015, Alexander Forman, 32, and Richard Pooley, 36, died after entering a pig-slurry tank at Newlands Farm in Sunk Island, East Yorkshire, to deal with a blockage. An inquest heard they were overcome almost immediately by toxic fumes before drowning in the slurry. The jury recorded accidental-death conclusions.
A separate case involving John Charles Barnett, 90, near Whitchurch, Shropshire, saw his body recovered from a slurry pit in January 2020. The coroner concluded that his immersion had been intentional and recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Police have not indicated the circumstances behind the latest Cheshire incident beyond confirming that an investigation is now under way.
Warning: slurry tanks and pits can kill
Keep all slurry stores securely covered, fenced and gated, and protect every access point or opening where an adult or child could fall. Never enter a slurry tank or pit, and never lean over an opening during agitation. Mixing can release lethal hydrogen sulphide without warning; people and livestock should be kept away, buildings fully ventilated and a second responsible adult alerted. Do not attempt an unprotected rescue - call 999 immediately.
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