Shrewsbury pub crash: Landlord’s miracle escape as lorry ploughs straight through boozer
A landlord had a miracle escape after a lorry smashed through the corner of a house and ploughed into the side of a pub[1].
Shocking photos show the scene of devastation after the HGV left the road and crashed[2] into The Three Fishes in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Emergency services were called shortly before 5.30am today following reports of the collision on the A49 in Bayston Hill.
The lorry driver was cut from the vehicle[3] and suffered a broken leg after he struck a property connected to a Chinese takeaway before careering into the boozer. Huge chunks of brickwork were strewn across the road while huge holes could also be seen in the buildings which were hit[4].
Two Manchester double decker buses smash into each other with at least 17 injured[5]
The crash happened shortly before 5.30am this morning (
Shropshire Star / SWNS)
Pub bosses have confirmed they will be closed for the "foreseeable future" and that luckily nobody inside was hurt. In a post on Facebook[6], they said: "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 belongs to Chilton Bulk Transport based in Abertillery, South Wales, which was transporting glass to North Wales. Boss Steven Chilton said: "The last I heard was that he'd broken his leg. I'm waiting for an update from the hospital.
The Shrewsbury pub and the building next door before the crash (
SWNS)
"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."
Asked how much the collision is likely to cost the company, Mr Chilton said: "I don't want to think about that, it'll just make me ill." Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service said three fire engines attended and crews used cutters, spreaders, small gear and ladders to deal with the incident.
A spokesman 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.
Huge chunks of brickwork have been torn through and holes were left in the walls (
Shropshire Star / SWNS)
"A49 is currently blocked at Bayston Hill by attending emergency service vehicles. Road users should seek alternative routes until further notice." A post by National Highways West Midlands on X said: "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[7] and West Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance.