POLICE have released shocking footage of the moment a lorry crashed into a staionary car on the M53 motorway, killing the driver and injuries another 10 people.
Peter Tootle, 61, of Blacon, Chester, was driving a Volvo lorry which collided with the rear of a stationary car queuing in traffic on the southbound lane of the M53, close to the junction four turn-off at Bebington, shunting it into other vehicles.
The traffic had been at a standstill while emergency crews dealt with an earlier unrelated collision close to junction four. Advance warning signs – including advice to reduce speed – were in place following the earlier collision.
Video footage from the truck's dashboard camera shows the moments leading up to and including the moment of impact. The collision resulted in the death of dad and granddad Mark Done, 51.
Mr Done’s wife Diane, who was in the passenger seat of the couple’s car is still undergoing treatment for her injuries.
A second motorist, Paul Johnson, sustained life changing multiple injuries to his chest, head and spine and eight other people sustained minor injuries.
On Monday, Tootle was jailed for two and a half years, and banned from driving for five years following the incident on September 30 last year.
Constable Darran Doyle, from Merseyside Police’s Road Policing Unit, said: “The families of those most affected by this terrible tragedy have agreed for this footage to be released to show the devastating impact of this collision.
“All of this could have been avoided if the driver had paid attention to the warning signs which were put in place on the motorway following the earlier accident and were clear to be seen.
“Mr Done’s family have been left without a dad and granddad and Mr Johnson’s family have been left to pick up the pieces and cope with Mr Johnson’s life-changing injuries.
“The driver of the lorry, Peter Tootle, and his family have also had their lives changed forever by what happened on that day.
“This just shows that not paying attention when behind the wheel of any vehicle can have tragic consequences.”
Paul Johnson, who was seriously injured in the M53 crash last year, and wife Andrea.
Today the wife of Paul Johnson, Andrea, paid tribute to her husband’s bravery saying: “He is hardworking, funny and would do anything for anyone. I call him my ‘gentle giant’. Once a very strong man and very active he now has to live with horrific life changing injuries that will go on for a very long time.
“I commend his spirit and strength to overcome this injury and will love him forever.
“Our heartfelt condolences also go out to the Done family for their loss. This was an unnecessary tragic accident that never should have happened, leaving families devastated and heartbroken to pick up the pieces from that unforgettable day for the rest of our lives.”
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