A BOLTON electricity engineer died on an electricity pylon as he carried out routine work.

The death of Del Minton, aged 48, has stunned colleagues at the NORWEB Bolton engineers depot where he worked.

Mr Minton, of Little Lever, became ill as he worked with a colleague on the lower struts of the pylon in Orrell Park, Wigan yesterday.

Power supplies were cut off for a short time as firemen lowered him to the ground. He was dead on arrival at hospital.

A NORWEB investigation has established that he was not electrocuted.

Initial reports yesterday afternoon suggested that Mr Minton had been the victim of electrocution on the pylon which carries a 132 kilo volt supply.

It is believed he suffered a heart attack though the results of a full post mortem were not expected to be released until later today.

A spokesman said: "His colleagues are very shocked. We extend our sympathy to his family and will offer his workmates the support they need at this time. Everyone is extremely upset."

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