A man has been killed in an incident involving a cherry picker at the Willand Biogas site near Cullompton, Devon.

The workman aged 34, was working from the platform along with a workmate on Monday when they came into contact with an overhead power line. The man died at the scene from injuries suffered from the electric shock, while his colleague was taken to hospital for assessment but was not seriously injured.

South Western Ambulance Service sent multiple resources to the Willand Biogas site including land air and other specialist paramedic teams.

A statement from the Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called to Station Road, Willand Industrial Estate, at around 9.50am on Monday 1 June, with reports that two men operating a cherry picker had been injured when it collided with an overhead electricity cable.

A 34-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and a 32-year-old man was taken to hospital for assessment. The deceased’s next of kin have been informed.”

A spokesperson for Willand Biogas said: “We were very sorry to learn of the tragic death of a contractor on site. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the friends and family of the deceased at this difficult time. The attaining and maintaining of the highest standards of health and safety management is a priority for Willand Biogas and we will be cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the Health and Safety Executive to the fullest possible extent.

In view of that ongoing investigation, it is not appropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”