The family of a 62-year-old man who died in a crash at roadworks in Edenfield have paid tribute to him, describing him as a "hard worker" and a "jolly man".
Patrick Whelan, from Liverpool, sustained fatal injuries in the collision on Rochdale Road near Bury on Monday morning (October 26). The incident happened at approximately 11.20am, close to the junction with Plunge Road, at the site of temporary utility works.
Three vehicles involved
Lancashire Police said the crash involved a green Deutz tractor, a Ford transit van and a Mercedes Dropside lorry. A site worker died at the scene, and a second worker, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
In a tribute released through Lancashire Police, Mr Whelan's family said: "Patrick has sadly been taken from us after being involved in an accident at work. He will sadly be missed by all his family and work colleagues. We are devastated. He was such a hard worker and a jolly man x x."
Appeal for witnesses
An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. A force spokesperson said in a post on the Rossendale Police Facebook page: "We are again asking for anyone who may have seen the collision or passed the temporary road works where contractors were erecting telegraph poles at this location to get in touch."
"In particular we are keen to identify anyone who may have seen a green tractor towing a black trailer in the area at around the time of the collision. If you saw anything or have any CCTV, mobile or dashcam footage which could assist please call us on 101 quoting log 0437 of October 26th. You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk."
