Elderly couple left trapped inside car after horrific Kenley crash
By Lucy Buckland
-
ACCIDENT: The emergency services at the scene
A car careered off the road and smashed into a lamp post in Kenley this afternoon (Saturday) leaving an elderly couple trapped inside.
Shocked onlookers saw the Lexus career off of Godstone Road, near Kenley Hotel, hit a wire fence, then smash into the lamp post before ending up on its side.
Fire crews had to cut the couple free in a dramatic rescue operation.
Eye-witness Tony Best, 35, who was driving behind the couple, said it was frightening to watch.
He said: "The car just shot off the road and hit the fence and then hit the lamp post with such force it went up it.
"I was in complete shock and it was frightening because when the car came off the lamp post it landed on its roof and then span on its side.
"I ran over and cleared the windscreen off the car and just saw this old couple. He was on top of her and she was crying out for help, screaming and in shock.
"These poor people were terrified. I stayed with them until the firemen arrived."
Parts of Godstone Road were closed off for around an hour and the elderly man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
*For more on this story see this week's Coulsdon and Purley Advertiser
6 Comments
by Kevin, Caterham Reigate Toowoomba
Friday, February 26 2010, 10:01PM
“Roman empire syndrome with declining standards across the board. Any goon can get a drivers license. And they do.
If we applied accountability to those that pass drivers where they become liable for subsequent prangs caused by the passee, then we may see a more rigid test that would eliminate many goons.
Could do the same for govt officials who blow things and encourage a return of integrity in state handling of land deals, employment legislation, law, education......that have been ignored or corrupted.
Cesaer was in denial too...”
by The voice of reason, Reigate
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 1:25PM
“Why elderly people? more people aged 40-50 have heart attacks at the wheel than any other age bracket? More people are killed or get killed by 17-21 year olds than any other age bracket. Don't pick on old people, so something useful campain for better driving tests full stop not just for old people for everyone, campain to save a life don't just sit in your chair moaning that old people do the speed limit.”
by Joe, Croydon
Monday, February 15 2010, 5:13AM
“Excellent reporting,are you sure the vehicle was not a Ford Vauxhall?”
by Dave, Purley
Sunday, February 14 2010, 9:05PM
“What's a Toyota Lexus. As far as I know, it can only be one or the other .....”
by Peter, Wallington
Sunday, February 14 2010, 3:56PM
“If you look at claims statistics from Insurance companies, younger drivers have fewer but far more expensive accidents, older drivers, those over 70, have more but less expensive accidents.
However, there is a worrying trend recently with the older driver in that their accidents are becoming far more serious.”
by Mr.Angry, The Estate
Sunday, February 14 2010, 2:36PM
“Say what you like but I am saying again that more stringent re driving tests and compulsory health checks are given to elderly people driving vehicles.
Just roung the corner an old boy crushed a kiddie recently.”