Tragic Loss of a Local Family Man
The community of Leominster is in mourning after a refuse collection vehicle crashed into a building on Mill Street, claiming the life of a much-loved father-of-three. Andzie Stanik, 62, known affectionately as Stan, was pronounced dead at the scene after the council lorry he was travelling in as a passenger careered out of control and smashed into the property.
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
In an emotional statement, Mr Stanik's devastated family expressed their complete disbelief and heartbreak. They confirmed he had worked as a binman around the Herefordshire area for over 25 years, describing how they were "struggling to comprehend" how he was "cruelly" taken from them. The family shared cherished details about his life, revealing he enjoyed nothing more than a pint of Guinness at his local pub, long walks with his beloved terrier Bella, cheering on Hereford FC, and spending time with his children, Tilly, Alfie, and Charlie.
The tragic incident occurred during morning rounds at approximately 6.40am, shocking the quiet neighbourhood. Two other individuals in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and required hospital treatment. The driver, a man, was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for emergency trauma care, as was a second male passenger.
Community Reaction and Emergency Response
Local residents reported being woken by the horrific sound of the impact, which demolished a large section of the building's structure and damaged the front of the refuse vehicle. One neighbour described the noise as "absolutely horrific", while father-of-one Cole Porter, 33, noted the seriousness of the situation was evident from the substantial emergency service presence.
Tributes quickly poured in on social media, with one resident recalling how Mr Stanik was "always smiling". Another shared a touching memory of him catching them "running down the drive with the wheelie bin" and always cracking a joke. A long-term acquaintance wrote that upon hearing about the bin lorry accident, their first thought was of Stan, sadly confirming their fears.
Superintendent Helen Wain confirmed that emergency services responded to reports of the collision, noting the building was empty at the time and no one else was injured. A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service detailed the challenging extrication process, required due to significant structural damage to the house.
The family has requested privacy and asked that people refrain from online speculation to allow police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of this devastating tragedy.
