Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Pair have lucky escape after A46 smash


Gary Smee

24 January. Updated: 24 January 12:41

Follow us on Facebook
A DRIVER and his passenger had a lucky escape after a trailer came loose and smashed through their car windscreen.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the twin-axle trailer, which was being pulled by a Land Rover Discovery, weaving back and forth before it reared up and hit a Mercedes travelling in the opposite direction on the A46 bypass near Sedgeberrow on Friday (January 21) at just after 7.15am.
The horrifying incident closed road for almost three hours as firefighters battled to free the passenger in the Mercedes by removing the roof with hydraulic cutters.
The man, believed to have been in his 40s, was immobilised using a spinal board and taken to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch with non life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the car suffered minor injuries and the driver of the Land Rover was unhurt.
Julian Jenkins, watch manager at Evesham Fire Station, said the consequences could have been far more serious.
"I think the men can count themselves very lucky because there were bits of wood sticking into the car which just missed them," he said.
Police are appealing for witnesses.
PC Matthew Pedrick, investigating, said: "We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or either of the vehicles in the moments leading up to it.
"This took place on a busy road at the beginning of rush-hour so I anticipate a number of people may have information."
Anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymouly on 0800 555 111.