A homeless man who sought refuge from freezing temperatures in an industrial bin tragically lost his life after being crushed by a waste collection lorry in Northampton.
Tragic Incident Details
Sajmir Beca, aged 30, sustained serious injuries after sleeping in a commercial bin that was collected by a waste management vehicle on Wellington Street in Northampton town centre. The incident occurred during the early hours of Friday, October 31, according to evidence presented at an inquest.
Local residents reported being awakened by screams coming from the lorry before emergency services arrived at approximately 3am. Ambulance crews and police officers rushed to the scene following the distressing discovery.
Despite receiving medical treatment, Sajmir's condition deteriorated and he later passed away at University Hospital Coventry on November 6. The senior coroner, Anne Pember, confirmed the homeless man died from multiple organ failure resulting from severe crush injuries to his pelvis and lower limbs.
Community Mourning and Tributes
Sajmir's body has been returned to his family, who have since held a funeral service. Friends and loved ones have been paying heartfelt tributes to the 30-year-old, remembering him as more than just another rough sleeper statistic.
A close friend of Sajmir revealed to the Northampton Chronicle & Echo that she had been away from the town on the evening of his death, meaning he couldn't find anyone to stay with that night. She emphasised that he wasn't a regular rough sleeper and expressed deep regret about the circumstances.
"We are really sorry and we want him to be remembered the way how he was, not for the way how he died," she said in an emotional tribute. "He was a great person, a very hardworking guy. My husband couldn't stop crying because he was feeling like why he didn't try to call him."
The friend added that Sajmir might have felt too ashamed to ask for help, highlighting the complex emotional challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.
Company Response and Winter Warning
Veolia, the waste management contractor responsible for commercial bin collections in the area, expressed profound sadness about the incident. A company spokesperson stated: "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."
The company confirmed their driver acted quickly at the scene and that they are providing ongoing support to the employee. Veolia has fully cooperated with police investigators examining the circumstances.
The spokesperson issued an important warning about increasing risks during colder months: "Sadly, in the winter months we see an increase in the number of people taking shelter in bins. We will continue to work with colleagues and clients to raise awareness of this."
Northamptonshire Police confirmed they were called to the incident involving the bin lorry on Wellington Street just after 3am on October 31. A police spokeswoman stated: "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."
The tragedy comes as temperatures in Northampton have been plunging to -3°C overnight this week. Weather forecasts suggest Britain could face another 'Beast from the East' in December, with the Met Office warning that a 'harsh frost' is expected towards the end of the week, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable rough sleepers seeking shelter from the cold.
