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Gillingham workman killed after manhole cover accident at Langley Green Primary School in Crawley in West Sussex named as Daniel Yeowell

Daniel Yeowell died after a manhole cover accident
Daniel Yeowell died after a manhole cover accident

A Gillingham workman killed after being struck in the face by a manhole cover at a primary school has today been named as Daniel Yeowell.

The 26-year-old was taken to hospital with a serious head injury when he was hit while working at the site last Friday.

Mr Yeowell, of Albany Road, died on Monday afternoon and an inquest is due to be opened and adjourned.

People near the scene said Mr Yeowell was down a manhole when a cover on chains came loose and hit him on the head.

Mr Yeowell, who attended St John Fisher Catholic School in Chatham, was flown by air ambulance to hospital in London.

Witnesses said teachers closed the blinds at Langley Green Primary School in Stagelands, Crawley, West Sussex, so as not to scare the pupils.

Justine Connolly, 41, from Crawley, said: "I got there as the helicopter landed.

"I was told a young man was down a manhole with a manhole cover on chains hanging near him.

"This broke loose and perforated the young guy's stomach and damaged all his lower face. They were there a while before the helicopter flew off with the man."

The West Sussex County Council-run school said no children witnessed the incident.

Langley Green Primary School in Crawley. Picture: Google Street View
Langley Green Primary School in Crawley. Picture: Google Street View

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "A man who suffered a serious head injury believed to have been caused by a falling manhole cover, while working in a hole on a building site at Langley Green Primary School, has died.

"The man from Kent was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital in East London but sadly died there on Monday afternoon.

"Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are working together to investigate the circumstances."

A HSE spokesman confirmed they were supporting the police investigation.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: "Together with the school we would like to express our sympathy to the family and friends of the man. At this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further as an investigation by the HSE is taking place."

Did you know Daniel Yeowell? Leave your tributes below.


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