Lorry driver killed at Dudley shopping centre
A lorry driver has died after apparently being crushed by a metal shutter at Dudley's Churchill Shopping Centre today.
The tragedy happened at 4.20am today when police, paramedics and fire crews were called to a loading bay at Home Bargains.
The 34-year-old man was found to be a serious condition and later died.
It is believed the victim, who has not been named, may have been crushed by a metal shutter at the bay.
Dudley Council refused to confirm any details of what happened until an investigation has been carried out. Officials from the authority are now looking into the circumstances of what happened.
Police confirmed they are treating the matter as an accident and would not be carrying out further investigations.
The bay, off King Street, remained cordoned off today with two police vehicles stationed outside as the council's investigation got under way.
Dudley Council said the bay was used by Home Bargains at the shopping centre.
Councillor Tracy Wood said: "Police notified us of a fatality at Home Bargains in Dudley early this morning. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time."
Officials at Home Bargains said they were looking into the tragedy and bosses at Iceland, who said it also uses the bay, added they were awaiting 'further details'.
Churchill Shopping Centre manager Colin Gazzard would not comment.
West Midlands Police spokesman Gina Lycett said: "We were called out to the shopping centre at 4.20am today to reports at 34-year-old truck driver had suffered serious injuries. We are treating this as an accident and will not be investigating further."
One worker said: "From what I have heard it seems the man was crushed by a metal shutter."
