The driver of a tipper lorry that hit overhead power cables at a Fenland quarry remains in a serious condition in hospital.
The man in his forties was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge following the incident at Block Fen Drove, Mepal off the A142 between Chatteris and Ely, at about 4pm yesterday.
Health and safety inspectors have launched an investigation into the accident which saw the man hurt when his Hankins Ltd lorry hit the power lines as it tipped up. He was working for contractors carrying out repairs to the road.
An eyewitness described the moment the driver was set alight after his vehicle hit the power cables.
“The driver was outside the vehicle tipping the back up when it struck the cables,” said the eyewitness.
“He was thrown back. He was on fire. The fire brigade and air ambulance arrived very quickly, within minutes.”
A Magpas doctor and paramedic assessed the man who they described as having “serious injures”.
He was in a serious but stable condition when he arrived at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Other drivers were reportedly told to postpone any planned visits to the quarry this morning.
Fire crews from Ely and Chatteris attended the incident and firefighters pumped water from open water nearby to put of the fire and returned to their stations by 7.50pm.
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