By Eric Nicolson

A PERTHSHIRE coal merchant was crushed to death in a tragic accident at his business early yesterday morning.

David Webster Scott (47) died in a shed at Scott Coal Merchants, Old Edinburgh Road, Bridge of Earn, after being caught between two lorries.

Ambulance, police and fire brigade personnel were all called to the scene shortly after 7 am but Mr Scott died before any treatment could be administered by paramedics.

It is understood that one of the lorries involved was stationary and the other was moving when the tragic accident happened.

One of the lorries involved was a 17 tonne Leyland Daf tipper truck fully laden with coal.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service commented, “The 999 call was made at 7.07 am and we were advised that a man had been trapped and crushed between two lorries.

“Unfortunately by the time the police and fire brigade were able to assist in freeing him he was found to have died from his injuries. It’s obviously a very tragic incident.”

A full inspection of the site was conducted by Tayside Police and the Health and Safety Executive were informed.

All members of staff were sent home and police officers cordoned off the yard while they made their investigations.

Word quickly spread across Bridge of Earn of the accident and one woman, who lives nearby to the coalyard and knew the victim, spoke of her shock.

“It’s a terrible thing to have happened,” she said.

“It’s a real tragedy.”

A married man with a teenage daughter, Mr Scott lived just around the corner from his business at Craigrossie, Lower Main Street.

However, due to a fire at their home in October 2002, the family had been living in temporary accommodation while repairs were carried out.

The blaze badly damaged the roof of the Victorian semi-detached house and the home next door.

During the incident 20 local residents had to be evacuated from nearby houses.

Local Councillor Alan Jack said Mr Scott was a well-known figure in the village.

“He will be sadly missed by his customers. It was very much a family business,” said Councillor Jack.

“It was a very tragic accident, my thoughts are with his family.”