Company fined over tractor deaths

The bodies were found in the cab of the tractor

British Waterways has been fined £100,000 after admitting safety breaches that led to two deaths.

Mark Wells, 41, and his 19-year-old son Luke were found in a submerged tractor in the Kennet and Avon Canal at Mill, near Pewsey, Wilts, in December 2004.

Mr Wells from Seend Cleeve and his son from Melksham had been hedge trimming on the canal when the towpath gave way.

British Waterways admitted it had breached safety regulations, that cost two men their lives.

In a statement, the company said: "BW accepts that it failed on this occasion to conduct its operations in a way to ensure, so far as is reasonably practical, the prevention of an accident."

Robin Evans, British Waterways chief executive, said: "I deeply regret that these tragic deaths occurred and offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the two men."