A BIN man has died following a tragic accident in Grays this morning.

A Thurrock Council bin lorry was in a collision with another heavy goods vehicle in Oliver Close, by the council’s depot, just before 8am, which saw a man in his 30s, believed to be from Thurrock, killed.

The passenger of the lorry, aged in his 30s, was attended by ambulance crews but died at the scene.

Two other employees were also involved and were taken to Basildon Hospital, but were not seriously hurt.

A 40-year-old man from Grays has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in police custody. 

The road remained closed in both directions between Oliver Road and St Clements Way late into the day while police investigated the incident.

A statement from Thurrock Council said: “Following today’s tragic incident Thurrock Council will co-operate with the emergency services in their investigations and carry out its own inquiry into how such a horrific event happened and to ensure any lessons are learned.

“Chief executive of the council, Graham Farrant, visited the scene as soon as he was informed what had happened.”

Council leader Councillor John Kent said: “At this sad time our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the man who died and the two who were injured.

“We are also concerned for the welfare of all staff and have arranged for counsellors to be available at the depot for any workers who may feel the need to discuss what happened with them.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses following the incident. Any witnesses, or anyone with information about the circumstances leading to the incident, should contact the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk