Screams as man crushed to death after being tipped into bin lorry

Sajmir Beca, 30, died in hospital after being crushed when he was tipped from a bin into a refuse lorry in Northampton – a driver said he heard screams just before tragedy struck

A driver heard screaming when a man was crushed to death after being emptied from a bin into a lorry, an inquest was told. Sajmir Beca, 30, was severely hurt in the incident on October 31 last year. He was rushed to University Hospital Coventry but died from his injuries on November 6.

Emergency crews raced to the scene on Wellington Street at around 3am after the refuse truck driver raised the alarm. Northampton Coroner’s Court has been told that Mr Beca, who his relatives said was not homeless, died from organ failure following injuries to his pelvis and lower limbs. His family had travelled from Albania for the inquest.

Senior Coroner Anne Pember said it remained unclear why Mr Beca was in the bin and ruled that his death was accidental, reports the Mirror. Driver Stephen Plowman said he had inspected the bin but could only see cardboard on top, adding that he had emptied the bin and turned the blade cycle when he heard screams.

In a statement he said that he saw Mr Beca staring at him and repeatedly told him to ‘get out’. Mr Plowman said he hit the emergency stop button and called 999.

He added that he had suffered nightmares and was worried he would not be able to return to work.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman stated at the time: “Police officers were called to an incident involving a bin lorry in Wellington Street, Northampton, just after 3am on October 31.

“Sadly, a man sustained serious injuries as a result and died in hospital on November 6. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and we have prepared a report for the coroner. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Steve Mitchell, Commercial Veolia UK said: “Our deepest sympathies and condolences remain with the family and loved ones of Sajmir.

“We are grateful to both the emergency services who attended and our driver who acted quickly at the scene. This tragic incident is a sad reminder of the danger of taking refuge in bins. We will continue to work with the rest of the waste industry and waste producers to raise awareness.”

Mr Beca’s family described him as a pillar of the community and said he was a person who exuded kindness and only sought to make other people’s lives better.