Workmen avoided helicopter tragedy because they slept in

TWO workmen who should have been in a crane hit by a helicopter in London escaped death by minutes because they overslept.

Richard Moule and Nicki Biagioni were late for work and hurrying to climb the crane in Vauxhall when the helicopter clipped the structure and plunged 700ft to the ground, killing pilot Peter Barnes.

A second man who died in the accident was named as Matthew Wood, 39, from south London, who is believed to have been walking to work when he was killed.

“It was the first time I’ve been late since starting this job three years ago. Call it divine intervention if you like,” Mr Moule, 31, said.

The Scotland Yard and the London Fire Brigade were today investigating the incident with other agencies including the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the The Civil Aviation Authority.