Lorry driver dies in accident

Delivery driver William Ernest Barker from Rochdale has died after the lorry he was driving came into contact with a car park barrier.

A health and safety investigation has now been launched after 68-year-old Mr Barker died in Oswestry outside of the Argos Smithfield Street Store on Tuesday 27 May.

The accident occurred just before 7.00am with no other cars being involved. It is understood that members of the public and the emergency services attempted to free Mr Barker from the cab of the lorry but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

West Mercia Police are currently investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for the police said: “We are investigating the circumstances of the incident which happened in Smithfield Street shortly before 7.00am. We are still investigating exactly what happened and are appealing for witnesses to contact Oswestry police station on 101.

“At this stage, we do not think any other vehicle was involved and the driver was the only person in the lorry.”

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive confirmed that they were aware of the incident and added: “We are aware of the incident and are currently conducting an investigation.”

Mr Barker was operating from the Heywood Distribution Centre at the time of his death.

A spokesperson for Argos said: “We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in an accident in the car park adjoining the Argos Oswestry store in Smithfield Street on Tuesday 27 May. As a result, a Wincanton delivery driver operating from our Heywood distribution centre was fatally injured.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to the family involved and are providing help and support to all of those affected by this tragic incident.

“An urgent and full investigation into the causes of the accident has commenced. We are actively assisting the police and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in their investigations. The welfare and safety of our drivers remains of the utmost importance to us.”

An inquest into Mr Barker’s death was opened on Friday 30 May by Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery.