The bodies of two of the five men killed when a retaining wall at a recycling site in Birmingham fell on them, are removed from the scene.

Five men are killed when a wall collapses at a recycling site in the Nechells area of Birmingham.

We're back in the newsroom from 08:00 tomorrow with more on today's accident, but keep an eye out here for updates to our main story during the evening and into the morning.

It started with a handful of people heading to Nechells, Birmingham, when reports first broke that five people had been killed at Hawkeswood Metal, a recycling centre in Aston Church Road.  

But as news spread, the crowds grew - and by Thursday evening up to 50 people were gathered near the scene of the cordoned-off tragedy.  

Here's a recap of the story so far. This video contains footage of emergency workers at the scene of the collapse ahead of their "careful, delicate work" that "may last several days".  

Rebecca Woods
BBC News Online, Journalist

The recycling plant was the scene of a major fire in February this year, when 700 tonnes of scrap metal went up in flames.  

Friends of five men who died when a wall collapsed in Birmingham have gathered at the site to pay their respects.  

Ben Sidwell
BBC Midlands Today

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016, 144 people were killed in industrial accidents. 

Twelve of those were in the West Midlands. 

In terms of the number of people killed, this morning's wall collapse is the worst industrial accident in the region for many years.

BBC Midlands Today

Among those gathered at the plant's gates is Lang Dampha, who says he's lost a childhood friend in the accident.

He said of the deceased: "He's a very hardworking man; very caring."

The man's wife has been informed, but Mr Dampha said he'd found it too hard emotionally to contact her in person. "I can't break the news to his wife, it's very difficult."

Sarah Falkland
BBC Midlands Today

The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Gambian community in Birmingham.

Five men, originally from Gambia, died in this morning's wall collapse, with members of the community coming to the plant when they heard the news. They arrived in disbelief.

Rebecca Woods
BBC News Online, Journalist

In 2012, the company was fined £50,000 after a worker's arm became trapped in machinery.  

Hawkeswood Metal Recycling Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of health and safety, external law at Birmingham Crown Court.

According to its website, the company processes more than 500,000 tonnes of scrap metal each year.

The firm began trading more than 40 years ago and has a customer base that includes local authorities, major PLCs and smaller independent companies.

Sarah Falkland
BBC Midlands Today

I've been speaking to friends and relatives of the deceased workers outside the recycling plant.

There are concerns that as all five men are Muslim, they must be buried as soon as possible in accordance with their faith.

The bodies are yet to be recovered.

West Midlands Fire Service says 15 firefighters remain at the Nechells recycling plant where five workers have been "crushed" under a concrete wall.

Crews have been at the scene since around 09:00.

They must wait for police to complete their examination before recovering bodies.

It adds "there is no possibility of anyone being alive under the rubble".  

Andrew Dawkins
BBC News Online

Dozens of friends and relatives of the victims have been anxiously waiting outside the plant during the recovery operation.

Among them was Lang Dampha who said two of the dead were his lodgers - and he had known one of them since childhood.

"I feel sad about it. We come from the same town - Noo-Kunda in Gambia."

He says the man's wife and family are due to arrive in the UK tomorrow.

Nick Owen
Presenter, BBC Midlands Today

Join me at 18:30 live from the Nechells recycling plant where I'll bring you the latest on the accident that's killed five workers.

Tune in to Midlands Today on BBC One.

Ansumana Barrow, 63, is President of the Gambian Association, based in the Ladywood area of Birmingham.

He said he was notified about the wall collapse at Hawkeswood Metal, Nechells, while at work. Five men have died - they are believed to be Spanish nationals originally from Gambia.

"Everybody is sad," he said.

"[The deceased] are feeding their families - that's why they are here. 

"We'll see how best we can help [their families] with counselling, or helping them financially. It all depends on what they need."

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

Here's what we know so far:

• Five men have been killed after a wall collapsed on them at a recycling site in Birmingham
• They were 'crushed'
• Work is under way to recover their bodies from the 'challenging' scene
• The operation is expected to last all day
• Emergency crews are trying to stabilise the debris

• The wall was 15ft high and comprised of concrete blocks each weighing 1.5 tonnes 
• The victims are believed to be Spanish nationals originally from Gambia
• Concerned people have gathered at the site for news of the dead
• A sixth man has been taken to hospital with leg injuries

Andrew Dawkins
BBC News Online

I have spoken to friends and relatives outside the recycling plant who say some of the deceased men worshiped at Cape Hill Community Mosque.

Many of those gathered here say they know some of the men from the place of worship.

Ben Brook from West Midlands Fire Service has been speaking about the task at hand:

The men were working next to a "large concrete structure containing metal" when it fell on them. They are believed to be Spanish nationals, originally from Gambia.