‘Cherry picker’ man dragged under double-decker bus following collision

Published: 10 March 2011
by JAMIE WELHAM

AN investigation has been launched after a construction worker was dragged under a double-decker bus when it collided with the “cherry picker” lift he was standing in.

The incident took place in  Euston Road outside St Pancras station on Friday morning at around 5am

The 31-year-old remains in hospital where his condition is said to be serious but stable after sustaining head injuries and multiple fractures.

Traffic police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident, in which the worker was dragged along the street for about 20 metres. He was working on the refurbishment of the five-star Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras station for contractors Galliford Try. One of the top windows of the bus was shattered but no passengers were hurt.

Police confirmed the incident would be investigated by the Met’s Traffic Serious Case Work Unit. No arrests have been made. 

The Health and Safety Executive also confirmed they are investigating the incident. 

It is understood the “cherry picker”, which is operated by a hydraulic system, was in the forecourt of the hotel at the time. 

Most “cherry pickers” have two sets of controls – one in the platform itself and one at the bottom so it can be operated without anyone in it. 

Camden Council said it would not be carrying out an investigation of its own.

A spokeswoman for Galliford Try said: “We can confirm that an incident occurred on Friday morning on Euston Road, London where one of our employees using a cherry picker was injured following a collision with a bus.”

“We are currently co-operating with the Police and Health and Safety Executive on this matter. Until investigations are complete, we are not in a position to comment further on the incident.”