999 call Cabstand crash

AN investigation has been launched after a fire engine crashed in the centre of Portishead on the way to an emergency.The engine was trying to get through The Cabstand traffic lights to turn right into Nore Road when the accident happened on Wednesday morning (Dec 29).It is understood the driver crashed into the central reservation at the junction of Cabstand and Nore Road, hit a kerb and careered into a lamppost, which crashed through a window of a flat at Clockhouse Mews.The engine was badly damaged, but thankfully crew were shaken but otherwise unhurt.Portishead councillor David Pasley came across the accident as it happened.Councillor Pasley said: "The fire engine came through the traffic lights and crashed into Clockhouse Mews."It was a miracle that no one was killed."I understand that members of the fire service have been saying since the Cabstand lights were installed that they were concerned about the layout and that the corner was very tight for vehicles."The turn is very tight and difficult for large traffic to make and I think perhaps the layout at this section needs to be looked at again to prevent the same thing from happening."A spokesman for Avon Fire Brigade said the accident happened when three fire engines were responding to a call to a property at Nore Road at just before 9am.The accident involved a fire engine travelling from Avonmouth station.A spokesman for the Fire Brigade said: "The cause of the accident is being investigated."The driver is experienced and the police are involved and are taking statements."An officer and a crew member have been taken to hospital following the incident but their injuries are not thought to be serious."The Cabstand traffic lights were completed earlier this year at a cost of around £800,000.Residents said the lights were problematic and caused huge jams throughout the High Street.A protest was organised calling for the lights to be removed where around 2,000 people marched through the streets of the town.