The frozen bodies of two pest control workers were discovered after they unknowingly stepped into a factory pathway filled with toxic gas, a court has heard in a tragic case that has devastated families and raised serious safety concerns.
Fatal Incident at Banham Poultry
Neil Moon, aged 49, and Jonathan 'Jon' Collins, aged 34, were found dead at Banham Poultry in Norfolk in the early hours of October 4, 2018. Panicked relatives had phoned police when the men failed to return home from their routine pest control work, sparking a search that led to the horrific discovery.
No Warning Signs for Lethal Gas
Norwich Crown Court heard that the men had entered a narrow, one-person-width corridor between the factory and nearby railway tracks where nitrogen gas had built up to lethal levels. There were no warning signs to indicate they were stepping into danger, with prosecutors describing the safety failure as "cavalier."
Prosecutor Craig Hassall KC stated: "Ultimately, they were killed by a colourless, odourless gas. When they walked into the passageway they were given no warning of the risks."
Toxic Gas Source and Previous Concerns
The court learned that the toxic gas came from a dislodged duct pipe connected to a chilling system used to process chickens at the factory. Mr Hassall explained: "When these men entered the passageway, ducting had become detached, pumping concentrated nitrogen into a narrow space."
Concerns had been raised previously about mist drifting across railway platforms near the site, leading to some system changes in the months before the tragedy. However, Mr Hassall argued that this work had not been carried out safely and that the companies involved had failed to protect workers.
Families' Devastating Loss
The victims' families spoke of their profound grief in emotional statements read to the court. Jon's wife Gillian said: "My life stopped but I had to find the strength to carry on for our son." She added: "I still don't know why it has taken these companies seven and a half years to accept responsibility for causing these deaths. The careless and reckless actions of those responsible have had catastrophic consequences."
Their daughter Dakota described Jon as an "amazing father," saying: "My dad was a kind and caring man just doing his job. They were robbed of their lives."
Neil's fiancée Sara Dutton remembered him as a "strong and devoted family man," stating: "My life and the lives of my children changed forever. Our grief has not diminished over time. I have had seven years just treading water. Not really living, just waiting for the truth."
Evidence Presented in Court
CCTV footage played to the court showed the pair arriving at the factory around 8:30 am, with their last sighting alive at 11:40 am. Their bodies were discovered around 1 am with evidence of frozen hands and faces, indicating the rapid and deadly effects of the nitrogen gas exposure.
Companies Admit Responsibility
Banham Poultry Limited and Air Products plc have both admitted health and safety offences on the basis that their breaches caused the two deaths. The sentencing hearing, which is expected to conclude after two days, will determine the consequences for these admissions.
This tragic incident highlights critical workplace safety issues and the devastating human cost when proper precautions are not implemented. The families continue to seek justice and closure seven years after losing their loved ones in what should have been a routine workday.
