THE families of two men who were seriously injured when a council dustcart ploughed into a parked lorry have thanked the emergency services for saving their lives.
Refuse workers John King, 47, and Michael Bagridge, 22, remain in hospital after Friday’s crash, which happened in Hostmoor Avenue, March, at about 6.30am.
The pair were trapped in the Fenland District Council dustcart and had to be freed by firefighters. They suffered serious leg and pelvic injuries.
A colleague, a 47-year-old man from March who was driving the dustcart, was not seriously hurt.
A statement, released by the families this morning, thanked the ambulance staff, fire crews and surgeons for saving the men’s lives.
“The families would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the emergency services and all others who assisted at the scene,” said the statement.
“Their professionalism and hard work undoubtedly saved their lives.
“John and Michael have both had many hours of surgery, with more to come, and we wish to thank all the surgical teams who spent those long hours operating on them.
“Both families send their thanks to everyone for all the messages of support they have received. Once again thanks to all involved in the rescue and care of John and Michael.”
Mr King is a member of March’s North Witchford Darts League and fellow players have rallied in support of their friend.
League secretary Mark Cross said: “The thoughts of all of those who play, and support those who play, in the North Witchford Darts League are with you and your family Johnnie.”
Five ambulances, three fire crews, the air ambulance, Magpas Helimedix, police and a rescue vehicle from Dogsthorpe all attended Friday’s crash.
The driver of the parked lorry was unharmed.
An ambulance service spokesman said: “Emergency crews did brilliantly to extract and stabilise the casualties as quickly as they did.”
A council spokesman said the refuse freighter had hit the rear of the parked lorry.
“Two members of staff suffered serious injuries and were taken to Addenbrooke’s and Peterborough hospitals. The third man was not seriously injured.
“Our service teams were quickly on the scene to assist the emergency services, and the police are undertaking an accident investigation.
“Naturally we notified the families and will be doing everything we can to provide them and the two members of staff with all possible support and assistance.”
• Police have today re-appealed for witnesses to the collision, which happened just after 6.30am.
A 62-year-old man who was in the parked lorry was not injured.
A police spokesman said: “Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision happen or the moving vehicle just prior.”
CONTACT: Sgt Chris Huggins, at the roads policing unit, on 101.
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