FATHER AND SON WERE WORKING TOGETHER ON A CHESHIRE FARM — THEN TRAGEDY STRUCK INSIDE AN INDUSTRIAL TANK

A routine day on a Cheshire farm ended in tragedy when a father and his son became trapped inside an industrial tank.

Alan Ford, 72, and his son Rick Ford, 42, were involved in a devastating incident at a farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth, near Northwich, on August 26.

Emergency services were called at around 12:20 p.m. after reports of an industrial incident.

EMERGENCY CREWS RUSHED TO THE FARM

Police, firefighters and ambulance crews arrived at the scene after reports that two men had fallen into an industrial tank.

Emergency workers managed to recover both men from the tank.

Despite the efforts of the rescue crews, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The exact circumstances that led to the incident have not yet been established.

ALAN AND RICK WERE MORE THAN JUST FATHER AND SON

News of the tragedy quickly spread through Cheshire’s agricultural community.

Alan Ford had served as chairman and director of the Cheshire Agricultural Society, retiring from the role in April this year.

His son Rick had also served as a director of the society for several years.

The organization described the Ford family as having worked tirelessly for the society and said both men would be deeply missed by everyone who knew them.

Tributes have since poured in from people who knew the pair, remembering them as hardworking and respected members of the farming community.

AN INVESTIGATION IS NOW UNDERWAY

Cheshire Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish exactly what happened.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive have also attended the farm and are working with authorities as inquiries continue.

The family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

A COMMUNITY LEFT HEARTBROKEN

For those who knew Alan and Rick, the tragedy is difficult to comprehend.

A father and son went to work on a farm — and within minutes, a normal working day had turned into an emergency that would leave two families grieving.

The investigation may eventually provide answers about what happened inside the tank.

For now, the Cheshire farming community is left remembering Alan and Rick Ford — two generations of the same family who dedicated years to the agricultural community.