Tragedy in Leominster as Refuse Vehicle Collides with Building
A man has tragically died following a serious incident in which a bin lorry crashed into a building in the Midland town of Leominster. The collision occurred at the junction of Mill Street, Bridge Street and Broad Street at approximately 6.45am on Tuesday, November 11.
Major Emergency Service Response
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it received multiple 999 calls reporting that a refuse lorry had collided with a residential property on Mill Street. The service deployed a significant number of resources to the scene, including two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor, and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
Additional support came from two Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) BASICS doctors and the Midlands Air Ambulances from both Strensham and Cosford. A critical care car from the air ambulance service also attended the significant road traffic collision.
Casualties and Rescue Operation
Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered three people trapped inside the bin lorry. A spokeswoman for the ambulance service stated that due to structural damage to the house, all three emergency services worked rapidly together to safely extricate the patients.
A male passenger in his 60s was confirmed deceased at the scene. The driver, a man, received trauma care for serious injuries before being airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further emergency care. A second male passenger was also treated for serious injuries at the scene before being airlifted to the same major trauma centre.
Authorities have confirmed that the building was empty at the time of the collision and no one else was injured.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Closures
West Mercia Police responded to the incident, which was co-ordinated through the Herefordshire Tactical Co-ordination Group (TCG). Superintendent Helen Wain expressed condolences on behalf of all agencies, stating their thoughts are with those involved and the families affected.
A cordon remains in place while the fire service and local authorities work to make the building safe. Roads surrounding the building, including Mill Street, are closed and are expected to remain closed for some time. The public is being asked to avoid the area and find alternative routes.
A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council acknowledged the swift response of the emergency services and confirmed they are working with partners to assess the situation. Further updates will be issued as more facts become known.
