Tributes to man, 73, killed in bridge collapse that saw 10 hurt as family release photo of ‘popular’ pensioner

TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who was killed in a bridge collapse that left 10 others injured.

Brian Harwood, 73, died after a Polaris Ranger vehicle pulling a trailer fell into a river when a wooden bridge, supported by scaffolding, collapsed.

In a statement today his partner said: "Brian meant so much to me and the people around us.

"Everyone he knew enjoyed his company.

"We are devastated about what has taken place and fully support the investigation."

Cops are continuing their investigation following the fatal bridge collapse.

Police were called around 4.25pm yesterday following a report of a serious incident on a farm.

Eleven people were in the ranger vehicle and trailer at the time of the incident.

Sadly Mr Harwood suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other men aged in their 60s and 70s are receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries.

Emergency services including police, ambulance crews, fire crews and mountain rescue attended the scene.

Shocking photographs of the crash site have now revealed the devastation at the scene after the Polaris Ranger pulling a trailer fell from a bridge that collapsed.

A wooden structure supported by scaffolding, described by a local as a temporary bridge, appears to be damaged.

Scaffold tubes appeared mangled in the wreckage this morning.

Det Insp Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancashire Police, said: “Our investigation into yesterday’s bridge collapse is very much ongoing.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Harwood’s loved ones and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

“We are supporting the families of those involved and working with partners to establish what caused the bridge to collapse.

“Our enquiries are continuing with investigators expected to remain at the scene over the coming days.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the members of the emergency services who supported the operation, in what were very difficult conditions, as well as the community of Roeburndale, for their support, while our enquiries continue.”

Anyone with information which can help police can call 101 quoting log 0953 of January 18.