Miracle escape as lorry smashes ploughs into Shrewsbury pub

A landlord had a miraculous escape after a lorry careered into his pub leaving a scene of devastation. The Three Fishes pub in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, was left severely damaged in the smash.

Emergency services raced to the site following the crash which happened just before 5.30am today (Mon) on the A49 in Bayston Hill. After striking a house connected to a Chinese takeaway, the HGV smashed into the pub side, resulting in the driver being trapped and subsequently suffering a broken leg.

Images from the scene show extensive damage with large chunks of masonry littering the street and sizable gaps in the structures that were hit. Pub management announced a temporary closure "for the foreseeable future" thanking their stars no one inside the establishment was injured. They took to Facebook to alert customers saying: "So as you're already aware a catastrophic accident has happened at the Three Fishes this morning.

"It has caused severe structural damage to the premises. However everyone is ok.

"The pub will be closed for the foreseeable future. Will post again in the coming week but trying to process everything right now."

The lorry was part of the fleet operated by Chilton Bulk Transport from Abertillery, South Wales, and was en-route carrying glass to North Wales when the incident occurred.

Company head Steven Chilton said: "The last I heard was that he'd broken his leg. I'm waiting for an update from the hospital. This is the first time we've had anything like this happen so it's a bit of a shock to the system.

"I don't think this driver has ever had an accident working for us. He's been with us five years, possibly going on 10."

When asked about the potential financial impact of the collision on the company, Mr Chilton said: "I don't want to think about that, it'll just make me ill."

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed three fire engines were dispatched to the scene, where crews used cutters, spreaders, small gear and ladders to manage the situation. A spokesperson said: "At 5.29am on Monday, November 11, SFRS Fire Control received a call reporting that a road traffic collision had taken place in Shrewsbury.

"One lorry in collision with two buildings. One casualty released from vehicle by fire service personnel using cutting equipment. A49 is currently blocked at Bayston Hill by attending emergency service vehicles. Road users should seek alternative routes until further notice."

National Highways West Midlands posted on X: "Traffic is held on the #A49 southbound between #A5 #A5112 (at Dobbies Island near #BaystonHill #Shrewsbury (south) and #B4371. A lorry has left the carriageway and hit a building. @OPUHereford & @HWFireControl are in attendance. Updates to follow."

West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service^[2] were also present at the scene.

References

1. ^{^} Cost of rubbish disposal and getting buried to rise as Birmingham City Council faces new budget woe (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^{^} West Midlands Ambulance Service (www.birminghammail.co.uk)