IMMIGRATION officials have begun an investigation after the death of a 21-year-old asylum seeker in a digger crash.

The UK Border Agency said it was looking into whether Afghanistan national Qabil Amin was allowed to work in this country.

And spokeswoman from the Health and Safety Executive confirmed it was aware of the incident and had begun preliminary inquiries, but would not comment futher.

Shovel truck driver Mr Qabil died of head injuries at 12.30am on Sunday while driving a small Bobcat digger at a unit in Lower Hollin Bank Street, Blackburn, owned by Blackburn Skip Hire Ltd.

He had been living in Cheltenham Street, Blackburn, but was originally from Afghanistan.

He had no family in the UK.

A spokesman for the UK Border Agency said: “We are are aware of the case and are looking into it.

“Mr Amin’s case for asylum was still under consideration at the time of his death, but the legality of his work is still being looked at.

“Whether asylum seekers are allowed to work in this country depends on individual cases.”

At an inquest in Blackburn yesterday, deputy coroner Elaine Block said a post mortem examination had been carried out, but further toxicology tests were required to establish the events leading up to the death.

The inquest heard that Mr Amin was found dead in the cab of the digger by his employer, with head injuries.