Crash sparks M6 chaos

A lorry driver had to be cut free from his cab then flown to hospital in a rescue operation lasting more than two hours on the M6.

The drama unfolded between junctions 7 and 8 on the northbound carriageway causing traffic chaos for the majority of the afternoon yesterday.

The articulated lorry left the M6 and collided with a safety barrier and some trees just before 1.40pm yesterday.

An incident support officer, rapid response vehicle, ambulance crew and County Air Ambulance from Cosford attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival crews found a lorry which was on its side. The driver, a 57 year old man, was trapped by his right foot. He was cut free by fire crews under the supervision of ambulance staff.

“It took approximately two and a half hours to free him from his vehicle. The rescue operation was made difficult by the position of the lorry; it was pointing downwards. While fire crews worked to free him, one ambulance crew member was treating him through the front windscreen of the cab; another crew member was able to reach him through the sunroof.

“Once freed, the man was flown to Selly Oak Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

“He had suffered crush injuries to his chest and to the right side of his body. His foot, which was the cause for concern during the rescue, showed no sign of serious injury.”