HSE probes fatal industrial accident at Marchwood port

Police and ambulance crews were called to ABP Solent Gateway, formerly known as Marchwood Military Port, on the afternoon of September 18.

No details about the nature of the accident have been released and the man who died has not been named.

Initial enquiries into the tragedy were carried out by Hampshire police, but the investigation is now being led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating a fatal industrial accident at ABP Solent Gateway in Marchwood (Image: Supplied)

An HSE spokesman confirmed that the organisation was heading the probe but declined to make any further comment. He would only say: "We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this death."

An ABP spokesperson said the accident involved a haulage firm driver who was delivering construction material to the site.

They added: "We are providing the appropriate assistance to the relevant bodies to support their inquiries into the incident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person involved.”

READ MORE: First phase of multi-million-pound scheme to upgrade ABP Solent Gateway is nearing completion

The port occupies a large area of land on the western shores of Southampton Water and is home to 17 Port and Maritime Regiment.

It was built in 1943 to aid the Allied invasion of Europe, which began with the D-Day landings in Normandy the following year.

ABP Solent Gateway is home to 17 Port and Maritime Regiment (Image: Newsquest)

It also played a key role the Falklands conflict, triggered by Argentina's invasion of the islands in 1982. In more recent years it has been used by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a base for their ships.

Solent Gateway, a civilian operator that ran the site for the Ministry of Defence for eight years, was acquired by ABP last year.

Speaking at the time, ABP's chief executive Henrik Pedersen, said: "We are hugely excited about the strategic potential this new deal brings.

"It provides additional facilities in close proximity to the Port of Southampton, which will enable us to offer more solutions to customers and strengthen the region’s place as the UK’s most important export gateway."

READ MORE: Marchwood port operator Solent Gateway acquired by ABP

Port director Richard Parkinson added: "SGL has made tremendous progress in converting Marchwood into a highly attractive commercial port full of potential."

Earlier this year work started on the first phase of a multi-million-pound scheme to upgrade the port.

Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony, New Forest East MP Sir Julian Lewis said: "After years of careful planning, today marks an exciting new stage in the evolution of ABP Solent Gateway.

"Marchwood Port will thrive in both its military and commercial roles as a result of this ambitious upgrading of its facilities."