Three men arrested after ‘popular’ pensioner, 73, killed in bridge collapse that saw 10 injured in devastating fall

POLICE have arrested three men after a pensioner 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.

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.

Now cops have revealed that three men - a 55-year-old man from Preston, a 57-year-old man and a 52-year-old man both from Lancaster have been arrested on suspicion of gross-negligence manslaughter.

Det Insp Mark Dickinson, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This investigation remains in its early stages and we are conducting a number of enquiries to establish exactly what has happened, including whether any criminal offences were committed.

“Three men have been arrested and are assisting police with our enquiries. They have now been released, but remain under investigation.

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

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

In a statement yesterday Brian Harwood's partner paid tribute to the 73-year-old.

They 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."

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

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.

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