NEWS: Watch amazing public response to driver trapped in overturned car – following crash on Church Road

Words by Ed King

On Friday 24 June, a driver flipped their car onto its side following a road traffic collision on Church Road.

Miraculously the driver was unhurt, and after being assessed by emergency services at the scene was discharged without needing hospital attention – despite the severity of the crash. The van driver involved was also unharmed.

Although West Midlands Fire Service only took two minutes to arrive at the scene after mobilisation, the general public and eyewitnesses to the crash were also heroes of the day – rushing to the lone driver’s aid and pulling them from the wreckage.

After trying to open the car door, which was jammed shut following the impact of the crash, people at the scene used cardboard and an axe to pull out the shattered back window – eventually being able to reach the stunned driver who was trapped inside.

In a fantastic show of community and compassion, passers-by immediately rallied round to support the victim of the crash – finding bedding and soft materials for them to rest on until the emergency services arrived.

The first at the scene were West Midlands Fire Brigade, who took confident control of the situation – checking for any potential danger and securing the road, whilst administering roadside care to the driver who was shaken by thankfully not seriously hurt.

In amazing footage taken by Andreea Neagu, a local resident who lives near the scene of the crash, you can see the incredible public response as people fought their way into the upturned vehicle to rescue the driver.

There is also footage of the impressive response by West Midlands Fire Service, who put themselves on the line every day to keep the public safe.

After sending the footage to Erdington Local, Andreea Neagu said: “I would like to say that I am really proud to be part of such a great community.

“Even though I was shocked about the scene, the image of all this people trying to help the poor woman got me in tears. All be blessed!”

An official statement from West Midlands Fire Service added: “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.”

Erdington Local would like to thank every member of the public who helped at the scene, and to commend West Midlands Fire Service for their incredible response.

However it is important to ensure the saftey of anyone involved in an accident, as any untrained moving could cause more damage.

We hope the driver is OK and has the right support around them – if they need any assistance, please contact our editor: [email protected]

Public rescue driver from car crash on Church Road

West Midlands Fire Service at the scene of car crash on Church Road

NEWS: Local driver escapes serious injury in overturned car crash on Church Road

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.”

NEWS: Police officer killed and three injured in Tyburn Road crash

Words by Adam Smith / Location images taken from Google Maps

A police officer has been killed and three people injured in a fatal road crash in Erdington.

The Bromsgrove based officer was off duty when he sustained a “medical emergency at the wheel” at the junction of the Tyburn Road and Stoneyhurst Road.

He lost control of the car which veered off the road which also had three passengers inside who sustained “potentially serious injuries”.

No other vehicle was involved in the crash which happened on Saturday August 28 but details were only released by West Mercia Police yesterday.

Ambulance crews battled to save the man’s life at the scene but he was pronounced dead soon after paramedics arrived.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “The circumstances of the incident are currently being investigated by our colleagues at West Midlands Police but it is believed that the officer suffered a medical episode prior to the collision.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

West Midlands Ambulance crews and the Air Ambulance was sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We sent four ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill to the scene.

“On arrival, we found four patients. The first patient, the driver of the car, had suffered a medical emergency at the wheel and was in a critical condition.

“Crews immediately administered advanced life support but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, it became apparent that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.”

The spokesman added: “The other three patients, a man and two women, who were passengers in the car, had sustained potentially serious injuries and were conveyed to Heartlands Hospital for further treatment.”