Emergency services were called to the farm in Aston by Budworth, where two men aged 72 and 42 died
Two men have died following an incident involving a farm slurry tank in Cheshire.
Emergency services were called to the farm on Cann Lane in Aston by Budworth at around 12.20pm on Wednesday. Cheshire Police said firefighters and paramedics also attended.
The two men, aged 72 and 42, were recovered from the tank but could not be saved.
“But sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, they were pronounced dead at the scene,” Cheshire Police said.
The men’s next of kin have been informed.
Police have launched an investigation into the “circumstances surrounding the incident” and have not yet released further details about how it happened.
Slurry storage tanks are recognised as particularly hazardous areas on farms because they can contain toxic gases produced as animal waste decomposes.
The Health and Safety Executive says slurry can release gases including hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide, while oxygen levels inside tanks and other enclosed storage areas can also become dangerously low.
Hydrogen sulphide is considered particularly dangerous because it is highly toxic and, at high concentrations, can cause unconsciousness after a single breath. Some gases produced by slurry can also be flammable or potentially explosive.
The risks can increase when slurry is disturbed or mixed, which can trigger the sudden release of high concentrations of gas. HSE guidance classifies slurry stores, pits, tanks and chambers as confined spaces where there is a risk of serious injury from toxic gases, oxygen deficiency and other hazards.
The exact circumstances of the Cheshire incident remain under investigation, and police have not released further information about what happened before the men were recovered.
Cheshire Police said the families of the two men have asked for privacy as enquiries continue.
“The family have requested for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time,” the force added.