A teenage girl has died after being ‘run over by a tractor’ in an industrial accident at her workplace.
Police are investigating after Žavinta Petrašiūtė, 19, died at Pretoria Energy in Mepal near Chatteris, Cambridgeshire.
Officers rushed to assist the ambulance service at the anaerobic digestion plant at around 3pm on Monday.
It is believed that she was run over by a heavy-duty tractor.
Žavinta has been described as ‘bright, hardworking’ and ‘loved and appreciated by everyone who knew her.’
In an emotional tribute posted online, her father said: ‘We want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.
‘During this incredibly painful time of losing our daughter we never expected to receive so much kindness unity and warmth from so many people.
‘Your moral and financial support has touched us deeply and helped us raise the funds needed to bring our daughter back home.
Police are investigating after Žavinta Petrašiūtė, 19, died at Pretoria Energy in Mepal near Chatteris, Cambridgeshire
Officers rushed to assist the ambulance service at the anaerobic digestion plant at around 3pm on Monday. Pictured: The Petoria Energy Mepal in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire
‘This means more to us than words could ever express.
‘Since we cannot thank everyone individually, we want to say a big and heartfelt thank you to all who stood by us supported us and contributed in any way.’
A fundraising page, which has already reached more than £25,000, has been set up to support her family in transporting Žavinta back to her home country of Lithuania and for the funeral expenses.
Ernestas Mag, who set up the fundraising page, said: ‘Alan and Ieva have faced an unimaginable tragedy.
‘Their beloved daughter, Žavinta Petrašiūtė, tragically lost her life yesterday in a workplace accident at Pretorija Energy in Mepal, Chatteris.
‘The circumstances of the incident are currently under investigation.
‘Žavinta was a bright, hardworking, and kind young woman, loved and appreciated by everyone who knew her.
‘Her sudden and heartbreaking loss has left the family devastated and unprepared for the emotional and financial burden that followed.
‘The family’s only wish now is to bring Žavinta back home to Lithuania, so she can be laid to rest in her homeland, close to her family and loved ones.
‘However, the costs of repatriation from the United Kingdom and the funeral expenses are extremely high.
‘We are kindly asking for your support during this incredibly difficult time.’
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: ‘Officers are carrying out enquiries and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.’
A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive confirmed that they are investigating the incident alongside Cambridgeshire Constabulary.
