Dazzling sunshine blamed for OAP’s accident
Date published: 22 December 2010
BLINDING afternoon sunshine has been blamed for an accident in Failsworth yesterday after a pensioner was knocked over and trapped under a car.
The 74-year-old man is said to be in a serious condition after the accident that unfolded in Lord Lane at 2pm yesterday, when he stepped off the curb and collided with a Vauxhall Corsa. Firefighters said the man did not seeing the oncoming car because of dazzling sunshine.
A bus was forced to swerved to avoid ploughing into the scene as shocked workmen from a near-by site rushed to the pensioners aid and used a ladder in an attempt to lever the car up.
Two fire crews were dispatched from Oldham as well as a specialist rescue team to release the man pinned under the axle.
Teams used hydraulic lifts and specialist chocks to stabilise the car and release the pressure on the victim’s chest.
Crew Manager Norman Brierley said that the pensioner remained conscious during the rescue and seemed calm.
The female driver was also said to be suffering from shock.
The pensioner was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital where his injuries are described as being serious but not life threatening. Police officers are investigating the incident.
