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Ambulance hits pillar on 999 call
02.11.09
An ambulance crashed into a concrete pillar on its way to try to save a man trapped under a train, the emergency service said today.
The ambulance hit the pillar in Birmingham yesterday after it was called to Sutton Coldfield railway station where a train had struck a man.
The man later died in hospital, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.
The two paramedics in the ambulance that crashed were also taken to hospital with injuries after two further ambulances were sent to the scene to help.
The ambulance had been using blue lights and sirens when it crashed under a motorway bridge on the Queslett Road, Great Barr, at about 6.45am.
One of the paramedics, a man in his 30s, received a head injury and neck pain. The other, a woman in her 30s, had a suspected shoulder injury and was in shock. Both were taken to Sandwell General Hospital.
Another ambulance was dispatched to the railway station where the man trapped under the train was already receiving medical attention. He was taken to Selly Oak Hospital.
An ambulance service spokeswoman said: "The man suffered serious multiple injuries. Crews worked with the fire service at the scene to help carefully remove the man while he received vital emergency treatment...
"Unfortunately despite the best efforts of ambulance crews and medics, the man later died at hospital."
An investigation into the ambulance crash had been launched, the spokeswoman added.
Reader views (1)
It is so sad to read something like this. Paramedics do a fantastic job, risking their own lives to save the lives of others. They are real heroes who get so little recognition.
I wish this brave man and woman a very speedy recovery and a big thanks for the job they do.
- Heather, West Midlands
