Skip lorry passenger critical

A man was critically-ill in hospital today after a skip lorry hit a Black Country railway bridge, causing hold-ups for motorists and train passengers.

The crash happened in Bloomfield Road, Tipton, after the crane section of the lorry collided with the bridge.

A 22-year-old passenger was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital after being freed from the vehicle by firefighters where his condition is described as critical. The 39-year-old driver suffered minor injuries. Police, paramedics and firefighters as well as the County Air Ambulance from Cosford were all called to the scene just before 11.40am yesterday.

Hurst Lane was closed from the Pie Factory pub to the junction of Bloomfield Road and High Street while the road was cleared. The road re-opened at around 4pm yesterday.

Nigel Rollins, 41, a machine driver from Stourbridge Paving was carrying out contract work under the bridge. He said: "The red gib hit the bridge which stopped the wagon dead. Some of our lads forced the door open to help the driver get out. He had cuts and bruises and was very shaken but the fire brigade had to get the passenger out."

Anyone who may have seen the incident is urged to call the road policing unit on 0121 626 9095.