A TRAFFORD inquest heard how a 23-year-old Wigan man died after gaining entry to a high voltage electricity sub station on Manchester Road, Carrington.

Stewart Andrew Smith, from Ince in Wigan, a floor layer by trade and his friend Jason Hughes both sold scrap metal for cash.

The inquest heard how on November 30 last year, both men went for a drive in Smith's car.

They drove along the M60 before arriving in Carrington where they saw two buildings with demolition signs on and decided to see if there was anything inside they could sell for cash.

Jason Hughes told the inquest they both entered the first, larger building but couldn't find anything of value. Smith suggested they try the second smaller building.

The inquest heard that both men thought the power had been disconnected in this second building as it had been in the first building.

Smith went into the building first and Hughes waited outside. There was a loud bang and a bright flash and Hughes was blown out of the door.

Sergeant Greenslade who attended the scene after the explosion told the inquest he went into the building to try to save Smith, who was still inside.

He said: "I went inside to find the man as I was aware that he would not survive. I could see a dull orange glow that I took to be the explosion.

"The next thing I saw was bright flashes of light, I was outside with the emergency services. I was rendered unconscious by the fumes. I was later diagnosed as having cyanide poisoning."

In a statement read out at the inquest, pathologist Dr Mohammed Sheikh, the pathologist, who carried out the post mortem, confirmed that Smith had been electrocuted.

Smith's body was not identifiable, as it had been so badly burned. He died from shock from the extensive burns he received when he was electrocuted.

Coroner John Pollard said: "It was entirely an accident that this was live and he didn't think it was live and an accident that he put his hand where he did."

Verdict: Accidental death.