Full Breakdown
Fatal Crash at Temporary Roadworks on Rochdale Road, Edenfield
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Background & Context
On October 26, contractors were erecting telegraph poles as part of temporary utility works on Rochdale Road near the junctions with Bridgemills and Plunge Road in Edenfield, close to Bury. The works required a green Deutz tractor, a Ford Transit van and a Mercedes-drop-side lorry to operate in the area.
02
Key Figures & Groups
- Patrick Whelan (62) – a site worker from Liverpool who was killed in the collision.
- Lancashire Police – the investigating force, coordinating the appeal for witnesses and managing the road closure.
- North-West Ambulance Service – the emergency service that attended the scene at 11:24 am.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Vehicles involved: one green Deutz tractor, one Ford Transit van and one Mercedes-drop-side lorry.
- Fatalities: one site worker (aged in his 60s).
- Injuries: one site worker (aged in his 30s) transported to hospital; injuries described as not life-threatening.
- Time of incident: just after 11:20 GMT, with ambulance crews arriving at 11:24 am.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Lancashire Police confirmed that the collision occurred at the temporary utility works site and that the road was closed while emergency services attended. A force spokesperson urged anyone who saw a green tractor towing a black trailer, or who passed the works at the time, to contact investigators via the 101 non-emergency line (quoting log 0437 of October 26) or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.
The North-West Ambulance Service reported being dispatched to the scene at 11:24 am and confirmed that a man was pronounced deceased at the location.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are appealing for information after a man sadly died in a collision in Edenfield.” — police spokesperson
- “Patrick has sadly been taken from us after being involved in an accident at work. He will sadly be missed by all his family and work colleagues. We are devastated. He was such a hard worker and a jolly man x x.” — Lancashire Police
- “We were called by the North-West Ambulance Service at 11.24am today to Rochdale Road, Edenfield, to a report of a collision.” — Lancashire Police
06
What’s Next
Lancashire Police have launched a formal investigation and continue to seek eyewitness accounts, CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage that could clarify the sequence of events. The road remains closed pending the completion of safety checks and the investigation.