A FATHER-of-two was killed after being trapped in machinery in a works tragedy in Burnley.

Ian Holgate was caught between heavy rollers at the Smurfit paper and board works in Caldervale Road yesterday.

The 29-year-old machine operator was freed by firefighters and taken to Burnley General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Paramedics had fought in vain to revive him.

Emergency teams raced to the Caldervale Road works at 4.37pm after Mr Holgate, of St Giles Terrace, East Street, Padiham, became trapped in a cardboard-making machine.

A full investigation was launched into the accident and health and safety officers were expected to visit the factory today.

Mr Holgate was married with two children, Chloe, aged eight and Connor, five, who attend St Leonard's Primary School.

It is understood his wife Liz left the home where they have lived for five years and went to the factory after the accident.

In a statement issued today, the Burnley works managing director Mark Slevin said the company had launched a full investigation in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and the Graphical Paper and Media Union (GPMU).

He said the company had been in contact with Mr Holgate's family who were fully aware of the firm's concern.

Detective Sergeant Peter Simm said police would also be involved in the accident inquiry.

He added that details were still unclear but it was believed Mr Holgate had been dragged into a heavy duty machine on which he was working. Smurfit, one of Burnley's biggest employers, also has factories in Nelson and Blackburn.

The Nelson works has won several national industry awards for its commitment to safety in the workplace.

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