Camden New Journal - by SARA NEWMAN Published: 6 March 2008
Man loses his leg after being crushed by lorry at junction
A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after he was crushed under a lorry at a pedestrian crossing in West Hampstead on Monday.
Horrified commuters watched as the man was dragged underneath the axle of the truck, which was turning left from Iverson Road on to West End Lane.
Euston police collision investigation team have confirmed the man lost his right leg in the accident.
Safety campaigners have long called for the integration of the Thameslink, Silverlink and London Underground stations to protect commuters crossing the busy thoroughfare to catch connecting trains.
Matt Rogers, a composer who lives in Calcott Road, heard a woman screaming when the collision happened at 2pm.
He said: “I saw this woman jumping up and down and screaming. Then I saw this heavy goods lorry. I could see a man almost on his knees being dragged along.”
Chairwoman of the West Hampstead Local Consultation Group, Diana Frost, believes an entrance to the Thameslink station further down Iverson Road and widening of the pavement would help to prevent such an incident happening again.
Ms Frost said: “In an ideal world pedestrians wouldn’t have to use that corner, but in the short term we have to take a temporary measure which doesn’t preclude changes in the future.”
Witnesses are urged to contact police on 020 7388 6806.