NEWS: Birmingham City Council “investigating” after man dies trapped under forklift at yard on Station Road

Words by Ed King / Pics from Google Maps

Birmingham City Council (BCC) are “investigating” after a man tragically died at a yard on Station Road in the morning of Tuesday 17 September.

Reports from the scene state the man, believed to be in his 50s, was crushed to death underneath a forklift truck.

A statement from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “We were called to an industrial incident on Station Road at 10.11am [17 Sept], two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

“On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police added: “We were called to reports of a man trapped under a forklift truck at a premises on Station Road, Erdington at around 10.14am this morning (17 Sept).

“A man believed to be his 50s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Enquiries to establish exactly what happened are ongoing and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.”

Following initial media reports, it was claimed the yard – on the corner of Station Road and Summer Road – was regulated by Birmingham City Council (BCC) and any assessment of the site should come from Council officers.

After West Midlands Police referred the tragic incident to BCC, Erdington Local reached out to the Council for confirmation.

A spokesperson from BCC told: “West Midlands Police have informed us about the incident.

“Health and safety inspectors from the council’s environmental health team are on site and are investigating.”

Erdington Local has requested any updates from Birmingham City Council as the investigation continues.

NEWS: Man rushed to QE Hospital with ‘serious injuries’ after being struck by lorry on Gravelly Hill

Words & pics by Ed King

A man was rushed to QE hospital after suffering ‘serious injuries’ following an accident with on Gravelly Hill this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed:

“We were called at 6.44am today to reports of a lorry and a pedestrian that had collided at the junction of Hillaries Road and Gravelly Hill in Erdington.

“One ambulance, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

“On arrival, we found one patient, a man, who was the pedestrian, he was assessed at the scene and had sustained injuries believed to be serious.

“He was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, with the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic travelling to continue treatment throughout the journey.”

Police also arrived at the scene early this morning, closing of the busy thoroughfare and redirecting the rush hour traffic coming over the Aston Expressway up Kingsbury Road – with drivers urged to find alternative routes to the A5217.

Uniformed officers were instruction traffic coming from Six Ways Island to u-turn back up Gravelly Hill North – or to turn off down Wheelright Road to find again find alternative routes via Kingsbury Road.

Police at the scene confirmed there had been a traffic accident, but reassured local residents there wasn’t any further danger.

A Kingsmill bread lorry was seen behind the police tape, surrounded by uniformed officers, parked up by the turning to Hillaries Road.

One nearby neighbour told Erdington Local: “I noticed all the traffic coming up the (Kingsbury) road since about 7:30am.

“When I opened my curtains I though, there’s seems to be a lot of traffic… but I didn’t know what happened – I wondered if it was an accident.

“My brother loves just down the road form me and he saw the same, wondering what’s with all the buses. I also saw some ambulances this morning… about three or four, but a slightly different times. But they could have been coming up here as the roads were closed.”

All roads have been reopened now and traffic is returning to normal.

West Midlands Police have also issued a statement appealing for witnesses:

“A man in his 40s has been taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

“The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene and is assisting with our enquiries. The road is currently closed between Hunton Hill and Kingsbury Road.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision, or has any information can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101. Please quote log number 477 of 10/11.”

For more updates and information from West Midlands Police visit www.west-midlands.police.uk

NEWS: Police ‘need answers’ as community mourns tragic death of Erdington teenager in hit-and-

Words by Adam Smith

The tragic death of an Erdington teenager after a hit-and-run accident has sparked a massive outpouring of grief this week.

Liam Mooney died on Tuesday and within 24 hours more than 150 people raised £3,500 for his devastated family and countless tributes were posted on social media sites by teenagers upset by the tragedy.

Liam suffered head injuries when the moped he was a passenger on was hit by a silver car on Monday night at 7.20pm on Rocky Lane, Perry Barr. West Midlands Police, who confirmed Liam was from Erdington, are searching for the driver who left the scene after the collision.

Liam’s family paid tribute to the 16-year-old, who was a familiar face on the Topcroft estate, in a statement, they said: “Liam was a bit of a joker and had a brilliant sense of humour.

“He was also so caring at times. He had not long became a uncle and loved his niece so much. We are so heartbroken and never thought this would happen to us.”

They added: “Liam was not just loved by his mom, dad, sisters and brothers but his nans, grandads, aunties, uncles and cousins. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

“Fly high our beautiful little angel. We love you so much, sleep tight. We will all be together again one day.”

Liam Llewellyn, from youth outreach charity Urban Devotion, worked with Liam and his friends on the Topcroft estate for six years.

Liam told Erdington Local: “Liam was a big character and his loss will create a big hole which will not be filled.

“He was a full of fun and the life of the party, he was always happy to see us and we loved him for the way he was. He was very faithful to his friends and they will be hurting now. ”

Liam, aged 31, added: “As an organisation we have known him and his family for ten years, our motto is ‘Community Transformation – One Life at a Time’ and getting someone like Liam onside is what we are all about because he was so well known in the area.

“It is no surprise to see so many young people speak out about what a great person he was.”

Family friend Chelsea Kelly launched a GoFundMe page called Liam’s Funeral Fund on Wednesday which raised £3,500 in 24 hours.

She said: “Sadly we lost Liam to a tragic bike accident, he’s leaving behind his mom, dad, brothers and sisters and so many friends that will forever miss him

“Liam, also known as ‘Dennis the Menace’ touched every single heart of every person that ever met him, he was the most polite, pure hearted young boy you could ever meet and anyone that did have the pleasure to meet him is truly blessed.”

Frances Carey praised Liam’s kind nature, she said: “Such a wonderful boy who looked after my grandson who had just moved into the area.”

Detective Inspector Adam Jobson appealed for information about the driver who rammed the moped Liam was a passenger on.

He said: “Liam was a teenager and should have had his life in front him.

“This is a devastating time for his family and they need answers about what happened on Monday night.

“We really need to speak to the car driver so they can tell us what went on and help us piece together the full circumstances. It’s imperative we hear their side of the story.”

A police spokesman said: “If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened, or perhaps have dash-cam or cycle-cam footage, we’re keen to hear from you and would urge you to get in touch.

“You can send us a message via live chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am – midnight or call 101 anytime. To remain 100% anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Tell them what you know, not who you are. Please quote log number 3771 of 22/03/21.”

To donate to Liam’s Funeral Fund on the GoFund me platform visit www.gofundme.com/f/xhb7d-liams-funeral-fund