Crushed foot man says: 'I'll carry on working'

Steve McCormack, 25, of Pensclose, Witney, was in a comfortable condition after an emergency operation in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

He was trapped for nearly four hours in a mash machine at Wychwood Brewery, off Church Green, Witney, after his leg got caught while carrying out a routine cleaning operation.

Paramedics and fire crews were called to the brewery at 3.23pm yesterday. Paramedics treated the trapped worker while fire officers from Witney fought to free him using cutting gear and thermal-imaging equipment.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford, where his condition was described as stable. His parents were visiting him in hospital at Oxford today.

His dad Tom, an ex-police inspector, said: "He has always wanted a career in the brewery trade since he was at school. He did his work experience at the Witney brewery and is still keen."

During his holidays Mr McCormack returned to work at the brewery and was eventually employed as an assistant brewer.

In yesterday's accident he slipped and became trapped whilst digging out a mash tun. His big toe was severed and fire service experts had to dismantle part of the machinery to free him. Paramedics treated the trapped worker while fire officers from Witney fought to free him using cutting gear and thermal-imaging equipment.

Fire officer Ashley Gurr said Mr McCormack suffered a broken ankle and serious crush injuries to his foot.

Paul Adams, Wychwood Brewery director, said today: "The main thing at the moment is that Steve is well and comfortable. we are incredibly grateful to the emergency services who were absolutely fantastic."

Mr Adams added that digging out the mash tun was part of everyday operations at the brewery.

Grains which are left over from the brewing process are dug out and supplied to farmers as cattle feed.

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