Lorry driver died at his wheel after crashing into historic cottages
By Neil Speight 11th Mar 2023
THE full and ultimately tragic story of yesterday's horrific lorry crash in Purfleet can now be told.
Around 3.15 yesterday afternoon (Friday, 10 March) a large articulated vehicle, operated by Belgian-based logistics company Mattheeuws and carrying scrap metal was heading west along London Road.
As it approached the historic Jarrah Cottages the driver of the vehicle suffered a massive heart attack and lost control of the lorry, which mounted the pavement and smashed into the row of terraced homes, causing significant structural damage.
Thurrock Nub News understands that the three buildings most seriously damaged by the crash, which tore a front porch off one of them, were empty at the time. Other neighbours came out of their homes and alerted the emergency services.
Before they arrived a passing off duty medic and some other people who witnessed the crash, entered the cab and attempted to save the life of the driver, including administering CPR.
Police, firefighters (from Wennington) and ambulance quickly arrived at the scene and were joined by senior medics flown in by air ambulance, which parked at the nearby High House on Vellacott Close.
However, despite the best efforts of all involved, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
A neighbour who was present told Nub News this morning that it was a 'miracle' that no-one was injured by the crash, saying: "Just a little while earlier there had been children coming out of school walking by the houses. I dread to think what might have happened but fortunately no-one was on the pavement at the time. It's just dreadful."
The vehicle remains at the scene today and, because of the specialist heavy lifting equipment required to remove it, it could be some time before the site is cleared and proper structural examination of the buildings can take place.
Jarrah Cottages date back to 1904 when they were built by the Purfleet Wharf and Saw Mills Company for its workers.
The road was closed while emergency services were on the scene and it remains partially closed, with a single lane system operated by temporary traffic lights is in place.
Police remain on the scene, with officers mounting four hour shifts to guard the site and the properties.
One of those most affected by the crash is Doran Stuart, a worker with Greenwich Council who arrived home late yesterday afternoon to find he could not get into his rented house. Police put him up in a nearby hotel for the night and today Thurrock Council have taken responsibility for helping him and have secured him accommodation until Monday when the situation will be reviewed.
He was left with just the clothes on his back as he has not been allowed to enter the cottages, which is deemed unsafe.
Nub News understands the occupant of the neighbouring house is currently away, while the third building is currently unoccupied.
Police officers investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses and dash cam footage.
A statement from Essex Police says: "Despite the best efforts of paramedics and the public, a man in his 50s, sadly, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
"No other person was injured.
"The road currently remains partially closed. One lane is closed with temporary traffic lights in place in the immediate vicinity of the collision. No diversions are currently in place.
"We continue to work with partners whilst an assessment is made by specialists on how best to recover the vehicle.
"Thurrock Council are offering support to those affected.
"If you have any information, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday between 10am-9pm.
"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.
"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111. Please quote 706 of 10 March when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."
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