Man inside bin saved from being crushed to death by waste lorry after split-second decision

A man who was inside a bin has been saved from being crushed to death by a waste lorry.

Bristol Waste was collecting rubbish from the St Paul's area when the man was tipped into the back of the vehicle.

Binmen then realised he had been unloaded - with the waste firm confirming crew "acted quickly" to stop the machinery inside.

Bristol Waste has now launched an investigation as to how the brush with what might have been a brush with death came to pass.

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The company said it was treating the incident with the "utmost seriousness".

Ricky Gayfer, Bristol Waste's director of operations, said: "The crews followed their training and procedures and acted quickly.

"It's thanks to them that this didn't end in tragedy."

The man did not sustain any obvious injuries and declined to be checked by the ambulance service, the firm's spokesman added.

Mr Gayfer said: "Health and safety is of utmost importance to Bristol Waste and all of our people.

"It's imperative that people do not seek shelter in bins, and we'll be reaching out to the relevant organisations in the city to help get this message out."

Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, warned against sleeping in bins last year.

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In December, a man sleeping in one failed to hear an electric waste lorry - and was only aware of the truck after the driver alerted him.

The driver, Dave, said: “As drivers, we are always trained to be alert to anything unusual and it was one of those split second moments when you realise something isn't right.

"He told me that previously, he would listen out for the sound of a diesel engine as a warning of a vehicle approaching. Because I was in an electric vehicle, which is much quieter, he didn’t hear it approach."

Francesca Albanese, Director of Policy and Social Change at Crisis said at the time: "We are tragically seeing more and more people forced to sleep on our streets.

"Faced with danger and uncertainty, people can seek shelter from the cold and to keep themselves hidden from view for their own safety.

"We are pleased to be able to work with Grundon on this campaign, which we hope will keep more people safe from harm."

Reg Hodgson, Head of Safety, Health, Environment & Quality from Grundon, urged bin owners to "carry out regular checks and to make sure the area is secure and well-lit".

The waste management company has also advised people to check for open lids that are normally closed and broken locks near the bin.

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