Bricklayer killed by lightning strike

A bricklayer has died after being struck by lightning on a Bovis Homes construction site.

Justin Feber, an employee of subcontractor Matthews and Leigh Civil Engineering, was drinking a cup of tea at the site near Crewe when the bolt of lightning struck.

Colleagues rushed to Feber’s aid, but he died a short time later in a local hospital.

Boss Andy Leigh told the Daily Mail: “All staff at Matthews and Leigh have been profoundly upset and shocked by this tragic event and we send our sincere condolences to Justin’s family and friends.

“Justin was well liked, highly professional and held in high regard by all those who worked with him. Our thoughts are with all who knew him at this very sad time.”

A spokesman from Bovis Homes said: “Everyone at Bovis Homes is deeply saddened by this tragic incident and we extend our sincere sympathies to this man’s family and friends.

“Our thoughts are with them and with his colleagues who were with him on site and responded immediately to the incident.

“They have obviously been deeply affected by this and we will look to support them in any way we can.”

A spokesman from Cheshire Police said: “At 1.28pm on Wednesday emergency services were called following the report of a man being struck by lightning.

“A 41-year-old man who had been working on a building site was treated by paramedics at the scene.

“Sadly, he died a short time later at Leighton Hospital. A second man suffering from shock was also taken to Leighton.

“Police attended the scene and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.”