New witness appeal after Whalley horror smash

Around 2-05 pm last Monday (October 28th), the Peugeot motor caravan and Optare single decker were in a collision on the A671 Accrington Road at its junction with the B6246 Accrington Road (Spring Wood lights).

The 46-year-old male driver of the camper van suffered two broken legs, a broken sternum and fracture to his skull, while the 49-year-old female passenger sustained a broken hand.

The pair, who are from Oldham, were taken to Royal Preston Hospital by air ambulance. Two children aged 10 and two, who were also passengers in the camper van, suffered whiplash-type injuries.

The driver of the bus, a 46-year-old man from Accrington, sustained a broken neck and suffered cuts and bruises while a 75-year-old female passenger from Accrington suffered a broken leg.

She was also taken to Royal Preston Hospital by air ambulance.

Five other passengers on the bus suffered minor injuries. Some of those with minor injuries were treated at the scene while some were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The road was closed for three-and-a-half hours while collision investigators carried out their work.

Sgt Gareth Hill said: “An investigation to establish why this collision occurred is now under way. I would appeal to anybody who was in the area and witnessed the collision to contact police.

“I am also keen to speak with anybody who may have witnessed either vehicle being driven immediately prior to the collision; if you have any information you think will be relevant please come forward.”

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.