Shocking photo reveals how security barrier ploughed through van and crushed dad, 65, to death on his birthday
A SHOCKING photo has revealed how a security barrier ploughed through a van window, crushing a dad to death on his 65th birthday.
Tommy Manns was driving the van for the Henry Westons cider manufacturer just hours after he had been wished a happy birthday by his grandkids.
While he was behind the wheel, the end of a barrier speared through the windscreen, killing him.
Tommy, the manager at Bounds Farm, was leaving the site in Much Marcle, Lebury, Herefordshire, when the tragedy happened on September 28, 2020.
His wife Rose Manns said he “loved his grandchildren so much”.
She added: “He spoke to the two grandkids on the day of his death. They rang to sing happy birthday to him in the morning.
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“He never got the chance to open his birthday cards.”
The shocking details come after H Weston and Sons Limited were fined £1.4million and ordered to pay more than £26,750 in costs, having pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations.
Kidderminister Magistrates’ Court made the ruling on Thursday after the company had been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Tommy, from Dymock, Gloucestershire, had two children and three grandchildren, and began working at the farm in 2008.
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An investigation carried out by the HSE, found H Weston and Sons had installed the barrier just a month earlier, and failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
The company also failed to implement a safe system of work to ensure the barrier could be secured safely when opened and closed.
Three years on from the tragedy and Rose said she is “still in shock” about her husband’s death.
She said: “We had put a deposit down on a motorhome.
“My son had to ring the company a couple of days after Tommy died to cancel the order.
“Tommy has left a great legacy. He was so loved, he was my rock, my soulmate.”
Oliver Hunter, Tommy’s stepson, said: “As a parent there are many memorable moments you want to keep hold of.
“However, trying to explain to my four-year-old son (now seven) and six-year-old daughter (now nine) that their grampy Tom had died on his birthday and that he is no longer with us, is one I wish I could forget.
“Both of our children were outgoing, happy little people with a love of life, but since Tommy’s death their behaviours have changed, they are more weary of life, can be more angry and upset over various things.
“They live with a constant fear that their loved ones maybe taken away from them which consequently means they are both struggling daily with separation anxiety on different levels.”
Rose added: “I’ve never been an emotional person, but since the accident I am nervous and reliving the accident all the time.
“In the beginning I couldn’t even drive because my husband was driving at the time of his accident and I couldn’t face driving again for a long time.
“I’ve always been a people’s person and now I have no confidence. People stop and ask me how I feel and how I am.
“I don’t feel confident to talk to people about what happened and people don’t know what to say to me.”
HSE inspector Sara Lumley: “This is a sad and devastating case that is made all the more tragic as the incident took place on Tommy’s birthday. It was also his day off.
“Rosemary and Oliver have made clear the impact that Tommy’s passing has had and our thoughts remain with them and their family.
“Horizontal barriers can be dangerous – but deaths are extremely preventable.
"The guidance for those operating barriers like this at car parks is clear and it’s vital to make sure the barriers are adequately secured at all times whether open or shut.”
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A spokesperson for Westons Cider said: “We understand the court’s ruling and have worked closely with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) following this tragic accident to ensure that nothing like this can happen again.
“Tommy was a much valued colleague and our thoughts remain with his family.”
