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I saw man dragged to his death by bendy bus
Jack Lefley, Evening Standard10.10.07
A woman who saw the lifeless body of a man dragged a mile by a bendy bus today told of her horror.
Lee Beckwith, 21, fell as he got off a bus in Ilford High Road and became trapped beneath the wheels of the Number 25. His body became dislodged a mile away in Romford Road, Manor Park, and passers-by alerted police.
Mr Beckwith, a tiler who lived with his partner in Brentwood, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Krisztina Keresztes, 26, was on the Number 25 bus behind the one that killed Mr Beckwith when it was stopped by police. The waitress of Ilford, who was on her way to work in Hackney, stepped off the bus and saw the aftermath.
She said: "Police stopped us and said we had to get off because someone had been hurt. When I got off I could see a man's body lying in the road and a trail of blood behind it.
"The trail went up the street where he had been dragged and there was also blood on the road that had been left by the wheels." She added: "I don't understand how he could have been dragged so far without anyone knowing he was there or stopping the bus. It's so terrible and I only hope he didn't know too much about it."
Floral tributes have been left at the spot where Mr Beckwith's body came to rest on Romford Road just past the junction with Rabbits Road. Mr Beckwithhad disembarked from the bus with a male friend in Ilford High Road at the junction with Clements Road when he became trapped.
The driver, who is in his fifties, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving before being released on police bail to return to a station on 16 January. Police cordoned off the stretch of road where Mr Beckwith's body was dragged, causing traffic tailbacks.
Police are today examining CCTV footage from the bus and the surrounding area.
Detective Superintendent Mark Robson from the Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath has appealed for people who witnessed the incident, which happened at 5am yesterday, to come forward.
He said: "We are keen to speak to any passengers on the bus and also anyone who was in the area of Ilford High Road junction with Clements Road at approximately 5.05am - this location is close to a branch of Barclays Bank."
Mr Beckwith's death has prompted calls for a review of the safety record of bendy buses. But a Transport for London spokesman said the London bus network had an excellent safety record.
A police source said: "This has to be a long and detailed investigation before we make any kind of decision of what action to take, if any."
Anyone with information should call police on 020 8597 4874.
Reader views (14)
Lee was like a brother to me, we spent a lot of time together. I will miss him greatly, RIP.
ps. we will always remember him and the good times.
- Tony Green, Brentwood
Lee was my next door neighbour for many years. He was a great friend and always made me smile, rest in peace mate, I'll miss you.
- Lee Jackson, Brentwood
Such a sad way to die, rest in perfect peace Lee ...
- Flo.., Beacontree
My heart goes out to his family.
- Maria, Ilford
Lee was such a lovely boy, my heart goes out to his family and friends, he will missed very much.
- Becky, Brentwood
It is an obsenity to try to deny that these buses are safe, Suitable, or right for narrow London roads which encourage cycling by painting green cycle lanes everywhere and a high density population, these buses must be removed urgently and as soon as possible and replaced before further tragedies occur.
- John, London, England
Condolences to his family.
- U, Ilford
It is terrible to hear a tragedy like this. Oh my god, god bless him. Hearing such a dramatic thing really is so upsetting, knowing that he is only 21 and still had lots to live for.
- Aswini, Ilford
My sincere condolences to the bereaved.
- Chris Dack, London, UK
We have bendy buses here in Milan, there has never been an accident of this kind.
- David Nigel Braham, Milan, Ialy
He was a great person and will never be forgotten by all those that love him.
- Matt, Brentwood
I do not recall the Routemaster having as much controversy as this bendy bus. Let's vote for whomever brings back the Routemaster.
- Mike, London, UK
Just wanted to mention, as one of Lee Beckwith's best friends, that he was great guy with a good heart, who was loved dearly by many, and will be missed. For me, it's rare to meet people who will respect you for who you are, and will show true loyalty to those who respect them back. Lee Beckwith was one of those few people. I'm glad to have known such a kind, charismatic, faithful person who would go out of his way for a friend without missing a beat. A close family friend to him last night said 'The good die young' and I couldn't of put it any better.
- Matthew Clark, Brentwood, Essex
The sooner they get shot of these bendy buses the better. And the man who introduced them at the Routemasters' expense too. How does he sleep at night?
- Squiz, Islington
