Lorry Crashed Through Crossing Gates.

February 1964

South Yorkshire Times, February 29.

Crashed Through Crossing Gates.

A Conisbrough lorry driver had a lucky escape yesterday (Thursday) when the brakes failed and he crashed through the level crossing gates at Whiteley Bridge station – near Pontefract.

The lorry, owned by Albert Coad, agricultural merchants, of Conisbrough, was driven by Mr George King, of 14, Harthill Road, Conisbrough. After bursting through the gates the lorry stopped with its bonnet touching the gates on the other side of the crossings.

Mr Coad told the “South Yorkshire Times” last night that the lorry was on its way back to Conisbrough after collecting a loan from Selby, when the brakes failed at the vital moment as it came to the crossing gates.

“The driver appears to have been very lucky. I shortly afterwards a goods train passed within about 2 feet of the lorry,” Mr Coad added.

There was only slight damage to the lorry and Mr King was unhurt. The loan was transferred to another lorry and it is expected that the damage vehicle will be towed in today.