A man who died after collapsing in a chemical tank at a Dundee alloy wheel repair company has today been named by police.
It is thought 33-year-old Steven Conway, of St Fillan’s Road, was overcome by acid fumes and two colleagues who tried to help him had to be taken to hospital for checks after also being exposed.
The tragedy happened at Diamond Wheel Technologies on the Dryburgh industrial estate on Thursday.
Mr Conway had been working in the tank when he was taken ill around 1.30pm. An ambulance was alerted and the crew arrived to find colleagues of the worker trying to assist him.
Onlookers watched in horror as he was wheeled into an ambulance, while a nearby nursery was told to close its windows to prevent children from being exposed to any chemicals.
Firefighters were summoned to deal with the incident and four pumps and heavy rescue unit drawn from several fire stations were despatched to the scene in Baird Avenue as rescue attempts were made.
Speaking before Mr Conway’s identity was confirmed, a police spokesman said: “Efforts to assist him were carried out at the scene and he was taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital, where it was later confirmed that he had died.”
Firefighters made the scene safe and specialist hazardous material officers identified the chemicals involved.
Kevin Sparks, who works at neighbouring business Martin Plant Hire, said he had heard Mr Conway had been exposed to acid.
He said: “I know some of the guys there and they were all standing outside looking nervous and shocked.”
Chris Lundie, who runs Covert Cleaning opposite Diamond Wheel Technologies, said there had been a strong acidic smell shortly after the accident happened.
He said: “I tried to get back just before three o’clock and they wouldn’t let me down Baird Avenue but there was a smell of chemicals in the air.”
Staff at the nearby Little People Nursery were advised to close all windows as a precaution.
Ian Cargill, who leased the industrial unit to Diamond Wheel Technologies, said: “I have been notified about the accident but I don’t have any more information about that.”
He said there was a special container in the premises used to store the acid needed to clean alloy wheels.
Nobody from the company was available for comment, but its website says alloy wheels are dipped in acid to remove damage and corrosion before being repainted.
The Health and Safety Executive, which is responsible for investigating industrial accidents, said its officers will carry out an inquiry in conjunction with the police.
A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, as is normal practice in cases of sudden death.