Bridge death workers remembered

The bridge where the men were working

A memorial service is being held to remember four workmen who died after falling from a bridge over the River Avon.

The men were repairing the Avonmouth Bridge on the outskirts of Bristol when they plunged 80ft to their deaths when a gantry collapsed on 8 September 1999.

They were Paul Stewart, 23, of Newcastle upon Tyne, Ronnie Hill, 38, of Glasgow, Jeff Williams, 42, of Newport, Gwent, and Andy Rogers, 40, of Middlesbrough.

The industrial chaplain for Severnside, the Reverend Michael Massey, is dedicating a bronze memorial to the men at the spot where they died.

He said: "They have left behind grieving widows, children and parents. My heart bleeds for them."

Wages donated

Relatives and colleagues are at the service along with representatives from the Health and Safety Executive, police, unions and the Highways Agency.

Four days after the tragedy, more than 200 workers organised a service at the site and donated £20,000 of their wages to the families.

Two engineering firms have pleaded guilty to breaches of health and safety law.

Lawyers for Yarm Road Ltd, formerly known as Kaverner Cleveland Bridge Ltd, and Costain Ltd, entered the guilty pleas in a Bristol Crown Court hearing in July 2001.

The case was adjourned to allow the companies to inform the HSE of any major points of issue.

Relatives of the men are seeking substantial compensation in the civil courts.