Oldbury pub car smash

This was the scene of devastation outside an Oldbury pub after a car smashed into a wall and mounted a picnic bench.

The drama unfolded just outside The Wernley, in Albert Road, as scores of people watched the Euro 2012 game between Greece and Czech Republic.

It is believed the driver lost control while going round a corner, before hitting a tree, smashing through the wall and mounting one of the tables outside the pub. The man, believed to be in his 60s, suffered spine injuries inn the crash.

He had to be cut from the car by fire crews before being taken to Birmingham City Hospital for treatment.

The pub's deputy manager Mandy Johnston was on duty at the time of the smash yesterday at about 5.30pm.

She said: "I didn't hear it happen but loads of our customers suddenly rushed outside to see what had happened. It was an elderly couple in the car and the firemen had to cut the man out.

"His wife was shaken up. I understand they were on their way to the vets with a puppy. The car was badly damaged. I'm just glad no-one was sitting outside because they wouldn't have survived if they had been sat on that bench."

Several people rushed outside when they heard the car hit the wall.

Brian Ingram, aged 59, of Brandhall, was sitting at a window when he said he heard a loud roaring sound.

"I was just sat watching the football on the TV and heard a loud roar," he said. "I turned round and saw that the car had mounted the bench outside.

"I went out to help the people in the car. The driver was probably in his mid-60s and had cuts to his neck and leg."

Watch Commander Simon Woodward, of Oldbury fire station, confirmed two crews attended the scene.