Personal injury news

Man killed in freak car accident

A Scottish man has been tragically killed by his own 4x4 in a freak car accident.

Alan Thomas, from Auchtertool in Fife, backed his Mercedes out of his driveway, put on the handbrake and got out to check something at the back of the vehicle. His wife, Iris, remained in the vehicle but it suddenly rolled backwards, trapping the 65-year-old and inflicting serious personal injuries.

Distraught Iris was unable to free her husband and ran to get help from her neighbours. They called the emergency services and jacked the car up, finally pulling Mr Thomas clear of the 4x4. It was too late, however, and the retired gas plant worker died before paramedics could reach the scene of the vehicle accident.

Mr Thomas’ son-in-law, Paul Freathy, told reporters how the family still could not believe what had happened. He said, “We are just in shock. It seems such a senseless waste of life.”

Locals paid tribute to Mr Thomas, chairman of the community council, and praised his commitment to local issues. He had been responsible for the construction of a children’s playpark and had involved himself heavily in village life since moving from Wales 20 years ago.

Alan’s wife of 45 years was too upset to talk about the car accident, and Fife Police have confirmed that a full investigation has begun on the vehicle. A spokesman said, “We can’t yet establish exactly what happened, but from what we can gather from looking at the car, it seems to have been a problem with the handbrake.”