Tragedy as elderly couple killed after being struck by HGV lorry in Hamilton town centre

Jan 6 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

AN ELDERLY couple died after an HGV ploughed into them as they crossed at a busy set of traffic lights in Hamilton town centre.

Former steelworker Jake and Emma Grier, both 76, were killed after being struck by the lorry at the pedestrian crossing in Blackswell Lane at its junction with Townhead Street yesterday (Wednesday) at 9.45am.

Witnesses say the couple, who were on a shopping trip in Hamilton, stepped onto the road, near to the Jet garage, when the traffic lights were at green and the 63-year-old lorry driver had no chance of stopping.

Emergency services raced to the scene and the couple were treated there.

Father-of-three Mr Grier was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife was taken to Wishaw General Hospital where she died a short time later.

The lorry driver was badly shaken but uninjured.

Eyewitness Margaret Gallacher (40) a care worker, was on her way to work in her VW Polo car and was travelling behind the lorry when it struck the pensioners.

She told the Advertiser: “The traffic lights were at green and the couple walked out in front of the lorry.

“The lorry driver never saw them,

“It looked like the lady was egging the man to cross the road at the time.

“A lot of cars were behind the lorry and when they realised that there had been an accident they stopped and ran out to help.

“A nurse came from a car and rushed over to help and another guy was helping. We didn’t want to move them as we didn’t want to cause any further damage.

“All we could do is talk to them until the paramedics arrived.”

Margaret’s colleague, Margaret Gallagher (49), a passenger in the Polo car, added: “It is shocking to say the least.”

A man, who didn’t want to be named, was in his car on the other side of the road travelling in the opposite direction, added: “I was at the traffic lights waiting to turn right and I saw the lorry coming towards me.

“The driver was sitting about five feet up and wouldn’t have seen the couple walking out in front of him.

“The lorry’s wheel went over the top of the man. I am shocked to be honest.”

One mum, who arrived at the scene just after the accident took place, said: “I just saw two people lying on the road. People were scrambling round trying to help.

“There was a huge crowd of people around them.

“Someone passed over a jacket to keep them warm and someone else had parked their car across the road to stop the traffic from coming up.

“It was just a horrible scene to see.”

The couple lived in Motherwell’s Roman Road.

Both worked in Motherwell’s Horseshoe Bar before they retired. Jake is former Motherwell steelworker.

They have three children, Kim (48) and 45-year-old twins Jacqueline and Graham, who have been left shattered by their parents’ death. They also have five grandchildren.

Neighbour Yvonne Steel was in shock and described them as a nice couple and great neighbours.

She added: “They were smashing neighbours. They were just a normal couple and will be missed by everyone here.

“I am in total shock by what’s happened.”

Up to a dozen officers in fluorescent jackets, several police cars and an ambulance were at the accident scene opposite the car park at the back of M&S yesterday morning.

A blue jacket, used by a motorist to keep the couple warm, and first-aid equipment could be seen strewn across the road.

The road was blocked off at the roundabout near the Palace Grounds for six hours, causing huge tail backs from commuters coming into the town from the M74 and Motherwell.

The motorway off -slip at junction 6, both northbound and southbound, were closed to stop vehicles heading into the town centre.

A full report on the incident will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Witnesses to the accident should contact Sergeant Ian Sneddon at Motherwell Traffic Police on 01698 483150.