- Do YOU know the men or anything about the tragedy? Email: arthur.parashar@dailymail.co.uk
Hitchin Town Football Club has offered its ‘sincere condolences’ after two men died in a ‘freak’ glass accident in the club’s car park.
The pair had been unloading glass panels from a lorry when they suffered fatal injuries near the stadium off Fishpond Road, north Hertfordshire, at around 2pm on Saturday.
Paramedics and police were called but the men died at the scene, while a third man was treated for minor injuries.
Haulage company Martello confirmed it had been delivering a container to the stadium, but the cause of the injuries and identities of the deceased remain unknown.
The company said: ‘We have very few details of the incident. We don’t know if they were employees or how it happened.’
Martello added that it was not responsible for opening the container or unloading it.
The stadium has today been awash with police tape with detectives on site as investigations are launched into what caused the tragedy. A large Martello HGV was also seen at the side of the pitch.
Speaking for the first time since the incident, a spokesman for the football club offered their ‘deepest sympathy’ to the victims’ families.
The club said: ‘Unfortunately, there was a tragic accident on land adjacent to the football ground on Saturday that resulted in the fatality of two people.
‘At this stage, we know very little about the actual details of the accident, and the police have taken control of the incident and their enquiries are ongoing.
‘We would like to send our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to their families at this very sad and difficult time.’
The football club – who are one of England’s oldest with roots back to 1865 – are at the heart of the wealthy market town’s community.
Their game this weekend against St Albans City in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round is scheduled to go ahead as normal, with the club saying in a statement that they are ‘are expecting a large attendance’.
With a population of just 35,000, Hitchin is known for its medieval streets and countryside – and is within commuting distance of London.
The two men’s tragic deaths have devastated locals, who have since flooded social media with messages of condolence.
One wrote: ‘This is absolutely devastating news, but so awful and sad for immediate families.’
Another said: ‘Oh blimey, this is absolutely devastating.’
A third added: ‘Those poor men, that’s horrific. My thoughts go to their family and friends.’
A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said: ‘Police attended an incident in the Hitchin Town Football Club car park at approximately 2pm on Saturday 6 September, following reports that two men were seriously injured.
‘The men, who were unloading glass panels from a lorry parked in the overflow car park, were injured in the process.
‘Two men sadly died at the scene. Their next of kins have been informed and are being supported by officers. A third man sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
‘The incident is currently under investigation and enquiries continue.’
East of England Ambulance Service said it sent two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, a critical care paramedic car and a community first responder to the stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Hitchin Town FC, Hertfordshire Police and Martello have been approached for further information.
