A tragic incident unfolded in Birmingham during Storm Darragh, claiming the life of a man as a tree fell on his car. The unnamed motorist was driving along Silver Birch Road near Sutton New Road in Erdington when the strong winds uprooted the tree, causing it to crash down onto his vehicle, resulting in his untimely death.
Second Fatality During Storm Darragh
This unfortunate event marks the second fatality attributed to Storm Darragh, as earlier in the day, a man in his 40s lost his life when a tree struck his Citroen van on the A59 in Longton, near Lancashire Police’s headquarters. The West Midlands Police responded to the incident, expressing their condolences to the deceased man’s family and confirming that the necessary steps are being taken to inform his next of kin and initiate the coroner’s report.
Emergency Response and Investigation
As fire crews and police cordoned off the scene on Silver Birch Road in Erdington, the authorities worked diligently to manage the aftermath of the tragedy. Sgt Benjamin Parsons from the Roads Policing Unit extended sympathies to the grieving family while urging any witnesses or individuals with relevant footage to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Continued Road Closures and Safety Measures
The road closure on Sutton New Road remains in effect as authorities strive to ensure public safety in the area. Motorists are advised to steer clear of the vicinity, and those possessing information pertinent to the incident are encouraged to reach out to West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website or by dialing 101, referencing log 2695 of 7 December. Additionally, another vehicular mishap occurred on the M42 between junctions 5 and 6 near Birmingham Airport, resulting in the closure of three lanes on the motorway.
