A sleeping homeless man was crushed to death after being tipped into the back of a bin lorry while having a nap inside a bin. The horror unfolded in Northampton town centre in the early hours of October 31.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Wellington Street at around 3am after the driver of the Veolia lorry sounded the alarm. However Sajmir Beca, 30, suffered catastrophic injuries and sadly died at University Hospital Coventry on November 6. In a harrowing video being circulated on social media the top half of the victim's body can be seen in the back of a bin lorry surrounded by bags of waste.
An inquest into his death was opened today, November 19 at the Guildhall in Northampton by senior coroner Anne Pember.
She confirmed the medical cause of Mr Beca's death as multiple organ failure due to multiple crush injuries to the pelvis and lower limbs.
The North and West Northamptonshire coroner adjourned the full inquest until April 29, where statements from Mr Beca's brother and from police will be heard.
A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police officers were called to an incident involving a bin lorry in Wellington Street, Northampton, just after 3am on October 31.
"Sadly, a man sustained serious injuries as a result and died in hospital on November 6.
"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and we have prepared a report for the coroner. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Homelessness charity Project 16:15 confirmed the man was known to the charity.
A spokesman said: "News such as this makes the Tuesday Night Team fundraiser - to get as many rough sleepers in for Christmas - vital."
Waste contractor Veolia - which manages commercial bins in the town - said it was "deeply saddened" by the incident and offered their "heartfelt condolences".
A Veolia spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by this incident which has tragically resulted in the loss of a life. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones of the person who has passed away.
"Our driver acted quickly at the scene and we will continue to support them. We have fully cooperated with the police during their investigation.
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