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Lucky escape after shop crash

16/ 5/2008


JAMES Ascott nipped into his newsagent's to buy a paper - and found the shop collapsing around him when a car ploughed into the building.

The shop, on Park Road in Timperley was demolished when a Vauxhall Tigra crashed through the front door.

James, 29, heard what he thought was `a bomb going off' and turned around to see the front of the shop and two sides of the building collapse.

James and shop owner Gary Wood, were unhurt. But Gary's partner Jackie was pinned behind the car's bumper and the driver was trapped inside the car.

James and Gary tried in vain to shift heavy pieces of rubble so they could get to Jackie.

But they had to abandon the rescue because of fears the first floor could collapse on them.

Firefighters winched the Tigra a few inches away from the building and managed to move both the driver, through the passenger door, and Jackie.

They were taken to hospital but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. A third shop worker was treated for shock.

James, a bricklayer, described his escape.

He said: "It's amazing nobody died. I came with my dog to get my newspaper as usual. I was talking to Gary when there was a massive bang and everything collapsed in front of me. I was lucky not to cop for it really.

"We tried our best to get to Jackie. She was screaming for him and he was screaming for her but the rubble was so heavy. It could have been much worse. The shop is normally packed at that time of day. There are usually kids hanging around. It's unbelievable nobody else was hurt.

"It was very lucky it wasn't far busier. The shop is normally packed at that time of day."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call call 0161 856 7761.