Crossrail workers are demanding an investigation after five colleagues at Bond Street station have reportedly died in their sleep in the past six months.

One member of staff reportedly died last night and another two on Saturday and Monday, prompting fears over dust and oxygen levels in the underground site.

It is not clear exactly what has led to the deaths, but many workers downed tools earlier this week in protest against conditions in the tunnel.

It is understood two deaths earlier this year were the result of heart attacks.

A member of staff told Metro.co.uk: ‘You’re talking about reasonably healthy people, good health.

‘No one is happy. A lot of people knew the guys, it’s not a nice environment on site at the moment.

‘Everyone’s at each other’s throats. Management are clearly more interested in making sure that it doesn’t get out, really they are trying to keep everything quiet.’

He said everyone who has died have all been contractors from different companies, suggesting their premature deaths could be related to the site itself.

A source has said dust monitor tests on site in recent months have been frequently showing red.

He said poor ventilation, working five levels below ground and drilling and cutting wood is a potentially dangerous combination.

Commenting on the man who died on Saturday night, the source added: ‘Lack of sunshine, no real fresh air, he works on level minus five.

‘I’ve got a sort of inkling that this is what it is.’

After learning of their colleague’s death at a briefing on Monday morning, many workers reportedly refused to work.

They spent two days in an above ground staffing area on Monday and Tuesday but have since gone back to work with dust masks on.

The source added: ‘At the end of the day if you’re wearing a dust mask there’s a problem.’

It is understood that the issue has been raised with the main contractor Costain Skanska Joint Venture (CSJV) and that another company has been brought in to test dust levels.

CSJV and Crossrail have been contacted for comment.

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