A much-loved father-of-three has been named as the man who tragically died after the bin lorry he was in crashed into a building in Leominster.
A Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
Andzie Stanik, 62, known affectionately as 'Stan', was pronounced dead at the scene on Mill Street following the collision on Tuesday, 11 November. The incident occurred at approximately 6.40am during the crew's morning rounds.
In an emotional statement, his devastated family said they were struggling to comprehend how he was so cruelly taken from them. They confirmed he had dedicatedly worked as a binman around the Herefordshire area for more than 25 years.
They described a man who loved a pint of Guinness at his local pub, long walks with his terrier Bella, supporting Hereford FC, and, most of all, spending time with his three children, Tilly, Alfie, and Charlie.
The Scene of the Collision
The council refuse vehicle was travelling along Mill Street towards the Bridge Street roundabout when it lost control and ploughed into a property, causing part of the building to collapse.
The driver, a 50-year-old man, and a second passenger, a 47-year-old man, were both taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police have confirmed they remain in a stable condition and their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Authorities have confirmed the building was unoccupied at the time and no one else was injured.
Community and Police Response
Residents reported being woken by the horrific sound of the crash, which left a scene of devastation. One local father, Cole Porter, 33, expressed the community's shock, saying, "It's absolutely tragic, those guys just out doing their jobs and now one of them isn't going back to their family."
West Mercia Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
PC Paul Bosley from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated: "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the man who passed away... We ask anyone who saw the bin lorry travelling along Mill Street before the collision to please get in touch."
The family has asked for privacy and for people to avoid online speculation while the police conduct their investigation.
