Driver trapped by van load in two-car crash

JUST after 7pm last night (15 October,) emergency services were called to a two vehicle collision on the A40 London Rd, near Milton Common.

Firecrew using spcialist cutting equipment to release a trapped passenger (Image for illustration only)

Two fire appliances from Slade and Wheatley fire stations attended the scene along with the Specialist Rescue Vehicle from Kidlington.

On arrival the crews were faced with two vehicles which had been involved in a head on collision with the driver of a van trapped in his seat by the contents of the rear load area.

Firefighters used cutting equipment to gain access to the vehicle and extricate the driver before handing him over to colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service who also attended the scene.

A spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said: “The swift attendance of the crews and the ability to get specialist equipment and knowledge to the scene quickly, undoubtable limited the time the driver was trapped and allowed him to be treated by the medical teams.

“Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind the public of the dangers posed by any unrestrained items within their vehicles.”

Incident Commander Will McPhail from the Slade Fire Station in Oxford, said: “The gentleman involved was lucky not to be more seriously injured, the whole unrestrained load in the rear of the vehicle had been thrown forward during the collision pinning him to the steering wheel. If these items had been secured the driver would probably have been able to get out of his vehicle himself.”

If you have a road safety question, call the free phone community safety helpline on 08000 325 999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk.