Pie factory death was 'accidental' says jury

Yesterday, a jury returned a verdict of accidental death at the hearing in Bradford.

They heard that on Good Friday 2009 an oven door blew off – throwing David Cole, 37, across the room and into a wall. He was then crushed as the ceiling collapsed.

The hearing was told Mr Cole, of Salterhebble, had texted his factory manager to say he was having trouble lighting the oven when his shift at Andrew Jones Pies in Huddersfield had started at 3.30am.

When factory manager Christopher Parks arrived, they discussed the problem and Mr Parks decided to call an engineer.

He said 30 seconds after he walked into his office, the explosion occurred. Mr Parks said: "It was just unbelievable. I have never experienced anything like that before and I hope I never do again.''