Witnesses have described the horrifying moment a car ran out of control, smashed through a historic monument and collided with a pedestrian in the centre of Truro.
Police said the elderly driver of the BMW suffered a medical episode before his car demolished a 700-year-old granite cross and then struck a man sitting on a bench. It happened in the square outside Truro Cathedral on Wednesday.
The driver was treated at the scene and one man was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital with injuries that are not thought to be serious. The area was sealed off as police, firefighters and paramedics attended, with the air ambulance called in as well, although not used.
Commenting on the Cornwall Live article, Donaldo wrote: “With regards to the incident in Truro, I was next to the gentleman who was unfortunately hit by the vehicle. If I hadn't jumped out of the way in time, I would have been hit too.
“It has been stated that of the driver of the vehicle involved was disabled and suffered some sort of ‘medical event’ that caused him to lose control of his vehicle. The vehicle in question was a 4.4 Litre BMW X5 four wheel drive! This poses the question: Should disabled drivers be allowed to drive such powerful and heavy vehicles?
“Fortunately, owing to my quick reaction, I avoided injury, but was witness to the poor gentleman near me being thrown onto the bonnet of the vehicle then falling in front of the still moving vehicle. This image will stay with me for some time.”
Commenting on Facebook, Emm Selley said: “This was an horrific incident, which I sadly witnessed along with my three children who are incredibly shaken. The BMW reversed into a parked Range Rover and then erratically drove at high speed taking out a concrete bollard and a man sat on the bench, who was apparently the owner of the Range Rover that was initially hit!!!!”
And Sarah Plumridge added: “Not good that happened. Fingers crossed all involved will make speedy recoveries. One thing that concerned me from what I've been told from someone there at that point, people were thinking terrorist attack and ran into nearest shops - I hope this never happens! But wouldn't suggest running into something that could collapse.”
While Chris wrote: “Counting my lucky stars. I was in Truro yesterday and not far from there when the accident happened but I did notice that all hell broke loose and emergency vehicles speeding past. But also noticed a lot of people watching instead of carrying on as normal.”
Many readers were also quick to question if drivers over a certain age should be required to re-sit their driving tests.
Bjorn Gold said: “Another reason why the elderly should have their licences revoked at 60, and made to re take the modern tests. Fail, and you get a bus pass. Pass, and all is OK.
Naomi Zereba added: “I’m glad everyone is ok for a start but, an elderly driver again! Insurance is probably next to nothing. Young people who now have to take both in-depth theory exams, harder practical tests and have to have a black box to monitor their driving pay a ridiculous amount. I’ve just paid £1700 to insure my sons 1.2 fiesta. It’s about time the elderly pay more for insurance. Young people are being so penalised when it comes to insurance. Infuriating!!!”
While Holly Louise said: “Yet another elderly person behind the wheel of this accident!! Will forever say that they need re-testing once they reach a certain age. It’s not safe for them nor others!”
Linds Tregenza added: “The comments against elderly drivers, are shocking! Check out some of the younger generation who drive like complete d****! (I said SOME not all!!!)”
Steve Bonner raised an interesting point about how the crash happened in the first place when he said: “How on earth do you drive fast enough there to hit anyone!?!? You literally can't move any faster than 5mph on that bit.”
And Richard Harvey questioned why so many emergency vehicles were called to the scene. He said: “I know someone has been hurt but do we really need all these emergency services to turn up?? Surely they could radio and say and an ambulance has arrived and we don't need more... They are all just stood round, and people wonder why the police get moaned at when you get burgled and no one even turns up.”
While, without making light of the incident, a few readers shared a similar joke including Shane Buckingham who asked: “Was Prince Philip the driver?”
There was also dismay that the stone cross, which was first mentioned in a document from 1290 but has latterly stood in the town centre since 1981, was demolished in the crash.
Amy Parkin said: “They've destroyed a part of Truro's history. That cross is a historical monument. How does that even happen in an area where nobody should be going faster than 5 mph! I hope the pedestrian wasn't too badly injured or traumatised.”
While Maria Browne said: “Hope the people involved recover soon. As for the monument it's a stone and if it was that precious then should be been protected better.
And the last word goes to Matt Berryman, who added: “Well, 700 years standing up the poor thing deserves a lay down.”
