A LOCAL businessman and his son were counting their blessings this week after a miraculous escape when a heavy goods vehicle crashed and sent a street lamppost tumbling into the yard of their company premises in Haydock Lane, Haydock.

The accident happened at about 9.20am on Monday, December 6 when the wagon toppled over as it turned left into Haydock Lane off the East Lancashire Road.

As it crashed to the floor, the lorry collided with another wagon, knocking a lamppost into the yard of East Lancs Auto Electrical Services.

Owner Dennis Rigby and his son Mark had been about to go out on job but had been delayed by a customer walking into the office - a delay which could well have saved their lives!

Dennis told the Star: "If it hadn't been for that customer coming in, Mark and I would have been in the company vehicle and would probably have been in the exact spot where the lorry came crashing down.

"I've been based here for the last 20 years and I've lost count of the accidents at this junction. Something desperately needs to be done here, it's a tragedy waiting to happen.

"In the winter, when the weather's bad, there are three or four accidents a week, and that's no exaggeration."

The driver of the lorry which overturned had to be cut out of the cab by firefighters. He was taken to Whiston Hospital, along with the driver of the other wagon. Their injuries were not believed to be serious.

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