Bin lorry worker seriously injured after being hit by refuse truck on Willenhall street

Emergency services descended on the scene, with the road closed off and a large police presence in place.

West Midlands Police confirmed that a man in his 40s was injured in the incident.

A spokesperson said: "A man in his 40s has been taken to hospital with serious facial and chest injuries after he was hit by a bin lorry on Summer Street, Willenhall just before midday today.

"The driver of the lorry is assisting as our enquiries are on-going."

Walsall Council confirmed the man was an operative on the bin lorry and that an investigation had been launched.

A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: "Walsall Council is aware of an incident which took place today on Tuesday 9 April 2024 involving a loader operative and a bin lorry in Willenhall.

"An investigation is under way at present. Incidents like this are very rare and the safety of our workers is of utmost importance. Our thoughts are with the injured party and their family."

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance to the scene.

A spokesperson said: "Upon arrival we found a man had been in a collision with a bin lorry and had sustained serious injuries. He received treatment from ambulance staff at the scene before being conveyed to New Cross Hospital for further treatment."

Residents in the street saw the bin lorry behind the police tape.

Richard Williams, 51, who lives in the area, said: "I didn't really see much, but by the looks of it it involves that bin lorry.

"We were told by the police that it reversed into someone, but we aren't sure of any specifics."

Another resident of the area, who didn't want to be named, said: "I didn't really see a lot, I was coming back from work and it was all here.

"I think it involves the bin lorry as it hasn't moved but I didn't really see a whole lot."