Investigation after cyclist dies in Dudley lorry crash

The smash happened yesterday at the junction of Burton Road and Eve Lane in Upper Gornal leading into Dudley.

Paramedics rushed to the scene but the 51-year-old woman could not be saved.

It is the second death as a result of crashes in the Black Country within two days, after a six-year-old girl died and her mother was injured in West Bromwich on Thursday. Investigations were continuing today into both accidents.

Four roads were closed off while officials were at the scene of the Gornal crash, which happened at around 11.40am yesterday, while the lorry, from Birmingham based firm JA Envirotanks, remained at the scene for several hours.

Parts of Burton Road, Eve Lane, Jew's Lane and Kent Street, were all sealed off.

The accident happened on a stretch of Burton Road close to the McDonalds restaurant, Tesco Express and The Spills Meadow pub.

Bystanders spoke of their shock at the accident on the busy road junction.

Resident, Claire Haycock, who lives directly opposite the incident, said she was surprised when emergency services arrived.

"I didn't see the accident but suddenly the police and ambulances appeared and my road was sealed off. It looked serious," she said.

Fellow resident, Rebecca Williams, was trying to take her young daughter to nursery after the road was closed off.

"My little girl goes to the Kiddies Kingdom nursery on Jew's Lane but the police said it was closed and they wouldn't let me through," she said.

Some drivers, including those who live at houses nearby, were turned away from the scene as police worked throughout the afternoon.

One of the stranded bus drivers, who did not want to be named said: "Incidents like this are always awful.

"We are unable to get through to Dudley so this will affect many people.

"The police just stopped us as we tried to get through and lined up our buses and used them to block the road."

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Steve Parry said an ambulance and a paramedic arrived shortly after the accident took place.

"Sadly, it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the cyclist involved," he said. "She was confirmed dead at the scene. The lorry driver was assessed by ambulance staff, but did not require further hospital treatment."

Meanwhile, police are still investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash in Lyng Lane, West Bromwich, on Thursday afternoon.

The girl and woman were struck by a Land Rover on Lyng Lane and were taken to hospital, where the youngster died. The driver of the Land Rover was interviewed at the scene and is said to be helping police with their investigation.

It happened outside the Lyng Centre for Health & Social Care and medical staff at the centre rushed to help the pedestrians before emergency crews arrived.

The mother, in her 30s, continues to be treated for her injuries at Sandwell Hospital. Her injuries are not believed to be serious.

Flowers and candles were yesterday left at the scene of the tragic crash and police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened.

Sgt Paul Hughes, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the collision."

Anyone with information on both accidents is asked to call 101.