An inquest jury returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’ after a baker was killed in a blast at a pie factory in Huddersfield last year.

Baker David Cole died after a build-up of gas in a 30-year-old oven at the Andrew Jones Pies Factory on 10 April last year. The inquest heard that gas had built up in the baking chamber as staff tried to light the oven between 10 to 20 times.

It also heard that, when the oven exploded, the ‘safety’ explosion relief panel failed to act as it should have because it had been fixed with the wrong kind of bolts. In the blast, the oven door hit Cole with such force that he was flung across the bakery and the ceiling collapsed on top of him.

In a statement, Andrew Jones said: “The tragic factory accident and death of David Cole last year was a huge shock to everyone and one that will never ever be forgotten. David was a loyal colleague and friend and is sadly missed by everyone. We will always remember him in our thoughts and prayers and our condolences go to his family and friends.”

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