Post by admin on Sept 23, 2006 13:16:00 GMT 1
Double-decker tragedy
A FATAL smash involving a double-decker bus and an LGV left hundreds of drivers stuck in massive rush-hour tailbacks yesterday (Thursday).
Emergency services were called to the horrific accident on the northbound A56 near Edenfield just before 3pm.
Firefighters used cutting equipment to release the driver of the X40 Lancashire Way bus, which was in collision with a Tesco lorry.
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The 64-year-old, from Blackburn, later died at Preston Royal Infirmary after being airlifted from the scene by the North West Air Ambulance helicopter.
Three passengers from the bus, which was going from Manchester to Great Harwood via Haslingden, were taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries; the lorry driver was said to be very shocked but uninjured.
There were tailbacks as far as Bury, as police closed a large section of the carriageway to deal with the incident; diversions were put in place through Edenfield.
Watch manager Ady Tonge, from Ramsbottom Fire Station, told the Free Press that the driver was still conscious when they arrived on the scene.
He said: ‘He had horrendous crush injuries to his chest and legs; his body bore the full impact of the metalwork of the front of the bus.
‘We had to winch the front away from his chest and used cutting equipment to cut away the surrounding metals.
‘The driver was conscious at the start and just asked us to get him free. We got him out pretty quickly and the paramedics got him into the air ambulance straight away.’
Fire crews from four different stations, including Rawtenstall, also attended the scene.
Police are investigating the incident.
# WERE you a passenger on the bus? Or do you know someone who was? If so, call the Free Press newsdesk on 01706 213311.
First published by the Rossendale Free Press
A FATAL smash involving a double-decker bus and an LGV left hundreds of drivers stuck in massive rush-hour tailbacks yesterday (Thursday).
Emergency services were called to the horrific accident on the northbound A56 near Edenfield just before 3pm.
Firefighters used cutting equipment to release the driver of the X40 Lancashire Way bus, which was in collision with a Tesco lorry.
Advertisement
The 64-year-old, from Blackburn, later died at Preston Royal Infirmary after being airlifted from the scene by the North West Air Ambulance helicopter.
Three passengers from the bus, which was going from Manchester to Great Harwood via Haslingden, were taken to hospital suffering from minor injuries; the lorry driver was said to be very shocked but uninjured.
There were tailbacks as far as Bury, as police closed a large section of the carriageway to deal with the incident; diversions were put in place through Edenfield.
Watch manager Ady Tonge, from Ramsbottom Fire Station, told the Free Press that the driver was still conscious when they arrived on the scene.
He said: ‘He had horrendous crush injuries to his chest and legs; his body bore the full impact of the metalwork of the front of the bus.
‘We had to winch the front away from his chest and used cutting equipment to cut away the surrounding metals.
‘The driver was conscious at the start and just asked us to get him free. We got him out pretty quickly and the paramedics got him into the air ambulance straight away.’
Fire crews from four different stations, including Rawtenstall, also attended the scene.
Police are investigating the incident.
# WERE you a passenger on the bus? Or do you know someone who was? If so, call the Free Press newsdesk on 01706 213311.
First published by the Rossendale Free Press