Worker dies in Tata Port Talbot steelworks accident

A worker has died in a machine accident at Tata's Port Talbot steelworks.

Tata Steel Europe said the company's thoughts were with the contractor's family and a full investigation had been launched.

An air ambulance was sent to the scene following the accident at about 14:00 BST on Wednesday.

A South Wales Police spokesman described it as "an isolated incident" and said there was no threat to the wider public.

He added that the man's next of kin had been informed and the force was now liaising with the health and safety executive.

A hazardous area response team was also sent to the scene along with an emergency ambulance.

The steelworkers' union Community called it "absolutely tragic news" and said its thoughts were with the family of the worker who died.

Its general secretary Roy Rickhuss added: "We will be pressing Tata Steel to carry out a full investigation and ensuring that all lessons are learnt and procedures and processes are reviewed and necessary changes are implemented to ensure all workers at the Port Talbot plant are safe at work."

Neath Port Talbot council leader Rob Jones said: "Port Talbot has strong links with Tata Steel and the workers at the plant, and I know that our local communities will be feeling a mixture of shock and sadness at this time."

In a tweet, Aberavon AM David Rees said: "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues at this sad time. We must now await police & HSE investigation on this incident."

In April, two workers were injured at the plant following an incident after several fires broke out when molten metal came into contact with cold water on a railway track.