Binman dies under his own lorry

A teenager was killed when he was trapped under the wheels of a bin lorry while he was collecting rubbish.

Craig Reaney, aged 18, suffered serious multiple injuries in the freak accident in Brereton near Rugeley yesterday afternoon. Parents heading for a nearby school to collect their children watched in horror at the scene of the accident.

Mr Reaney, of Kelvin Drive, Cannock, was released from beneath the lorry by fire crews but pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The accident happened at the junction of Oaktree Road and Waterside at 2.45pm.

Mr Reaney was working for contractor Verdant collecting waste for recycling on behalf of Cannock Chase Council.

Chris Kowalik, an ambulance service spokesman, said: "Unfortunately despite the best efforts of ambulance crews nothing could be done to save the man."

Parents going to pick up children from Redbrook Hayes Primary School were told a binman had been caught under the lorry by one mother, living nearby, who came out of her house to pick up her children and saw it. Sarah Harvey, aged 32, of Redbrook Lane, said: "One of the parents came to get her kids and saw the binman underneath the lorry. I think it's terrible."

Some residents were alerted to the accident after hearing the County Air Ambulance flying over Brereton to the scene.

Matthew John, 32, of Redbrook Lane, said: "It's terrible and awful for the family and the driver. I've never seen anything like it, it's just a freak accident."

Oaktree Road was taped off while police carried out their investigations.

Kathryn Cooper, spokeswoman for Cannock Chase Council, said: "The police are investigating this accident and will keep us fully informed." A Health and Safety Executive investigation has also been launched. Any witnesses can call police on 0300 123 4455.