Van crashes into fence at Walsall cemetery narrowly missing the gravestones
A van has crashed into a tree at a Walsall cemetery narrowly missing gravestones and causing significant damage to the metal fence.
The collision happened outside Willenhall Lawn Cemetery in Bentley Lane, Short Heath, at about 7pm on March 10 (Tuesday). It is thought police officers were pursuing a car when the incident happened.
The incident has resulted in several yards of green metal railings being wrecked.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of an RTC at the junction of Bentley Lane and Harvesters Road in Willenhall at 5.15pm and sent an ambulance to the scene.
"On arrival, crews found a man who they treated for potentially serious injuries before conveying him Walsall Manor Hospital."
Bentley Lane resident Sam Jones, aged 80, a retired lock factory worker, said: "We were watching the TV when we noticed flashing blue lights outside.
"I went out into the road and there were lots of spectators around and the road was closed by the police.
"There were two police fast response cars and a patrol car and an ambulance here as well.
"I could see a van and the front was in the cemetery railings. I don't know how it got there because people were saying the police had been chasing a car.
"Some people were saying there should be speed humps on this road, but that is nonsense because this is a busy main road. Humps won't work. We have lived here for a long time and we hear the traffic 24/7.
"There are issues with some drivers doing what I would estimate as 50-70mph and if they overtake they will be doing much higher speeds than that which is crazy in a residential areas with schools also along this road.
"There is a mobile speed camera operation going on along the road which forces drivers to slow down, but as soon as its gone, drivers just carry on speeding. It doesn't make any sense."
On Wednesday morning Walsall Council contractors were cutting out the mangled railings and setting up a temporary cordon.
Short Heath and Willenhall North Councillors posted on Facebook: "Last night a car hit the fence at Willenhall Lawn Cemetery causing considerable damage to the fence.
"The council is preparing a replacement for the fence and in the meantime have erected temporary fencing. Thankfully there has been no damage to headstones or graves. We will keep residents updated as this develops."
