Words by Ed King and Gary O’Brien
A local driver narrowly escaped serious injury or death after overturning their car on Church Road earlier today.
At around 11:40am on Friday 24 June, emergency services were called to an incident on Church Road – just by Erdington Aquatics – involving a car and a van who had collided, with the car flipping dramatically on to its side.
Three other stationary cars were also damaged in the collision.
Miraculously, the lone driver of the car was assessed on site and discharged without needing hospital attention – despite the severity of the crash. The van driver involved was also unharmed.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with West Midlands Fire Service reaching the scene within two minutes of mobilisation.
In serious road traffic collisions, the difference between life and death can be determined in seconds, and the immediate response from Erdington’s emergency services could have played a crucial role if those involved in the accident were more seriously injured.
West Midlands Ambulance Service were also called to the accident, sending an ambulance and a paramedic officer.
Although after assessment at the scene, those involved in the collision were given advice and guidance but did not need hospital treatment.
One Erdington local resident who witnessed the crash, Andreea Neagu, posted on the Next Door website: “Accident on Church Rd, Erdington. The driver lady is ok. The fire department got here really fast. Another 3 cars hit. Please drive safe.”
An official statement from West Midlands Fire Service said: “On Friday 24 June at 11.43am, West Midlands Fire Service were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Church Road, Erdington.
“Crews from Aston and Erdington Fire Stations attended the incident and the first appliance was on the scene within 2 minutes of mobilisation.
“Crews made the scene and vehicles safe following a collision involving 5 cars and a van. Four of the vehicles were parked.
“Our colleagues from West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance at the scene, with one person receiving a precautionary check up at the scene. No-one was trapped in the vehicles.”
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service added: “We were called at 11.39am to reports of a road traffic collision involving one car on Church Road, Erdington. One ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene.
“Upon arrival we found the driver of the car. She was assessed and had injuries not believed to be serious.
“She received self care advice and was discharged at the scene.”
A statement from West Midlands Police confirmed: “This was a non-injury RTC (road traffic collision). The matter is in the hands of the insurer.”