By Charlene Kelly

A FIFE MAN has died in an industrial accident in north-east Wales.

Michael Benn (37), from Glenrothes, died after falling into a water tank at Connah’s Quay Power Station in Flintshire on Thursday afternoon.

Specialist water rescue equipment was used to pull Mr Benn from the tank and he was treated by paramedics at the scene.

He was transferred to Wrexham Maelor Hospital but died before arrival.

Officers from the Health and Safety Executive visited the 1.4mw electricity generating plant after the accident, which took place at 3.30pm.

A spokesman for plant owners E.ON said Mr Benn was a contractor working at the plant and an investigation was launched immediately.

He added, “The contractor fell into a cooling chamber which is used to cool the water used at the site as part of the production process.”

The Courier understands Mr Benn was an employee of Perthshire firm Epsco and his fellow contractors took yesterday off work as a mark of respect for their colleague.

Epsco said yesterday a statement about the incident will be issued in due course.

A North Wales Police spokeswoman said, “The man who died in the incident at Connah’s Quay Power Station yesterday has been named as 37-year-old Michael Benn, from the Fife area of Scotland.

“A post mortem has been held and an inquest has been opened.

“Police are working closely with the Health and Safety Executive to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.”