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Man killed in Barnoldswick ambulance collision named

11:40am Friday 30th May 2008

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A MAN who died after being knocked down by an ambulance has been named as Neal Paul Garner, 49 of Bracewell Street, Barnoldswick.

Police said it was believed Mr Garner had stepped out in front of the vehicle while talking on a mobile phone.

The ambulance, which had its emergency lights on, was on a training exercise.

The crash happened in Kelbrook Road, near West Craven Technology College, Barnoldswick, at 12.40pm yesterday.

Mr Garner was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with serious injuries where was pronounced dead.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed that an ambulance had been involved in the crash.

He said: "The incident is now being investigated by Lancashire Police and therefore no further information or comment will be made available by the trust."

The spokesman did however confirm that a second ambulance was called in to transport the man to hospital.

An initial call had been made for an air ambulance, and the Yorkshire craft was placed on standby, but the service was not required.

The accident took place on the main road out of Barnoldswick, towards Salterforth.

The road is boarded by hedges and plants on one side, with no pavement.

Houses are set back from the road on the opposite side.

There is a traffic island 200 metres from the scene.

One resident, who declined to be named, said: "I heard the ambulance noise from inside my house and then there was a thud.

"I thought something had happened but only went out a little bit later.

"By that time the police were at the scene and the man was lying motionless in the road.

"Very few people cross to the other side because there is no pavement there."

Charlene Simpson, from Earby, was travelling on a bus with her husband and daughter, and witnessed the aftermath.

She said: "They had the man on the floor waiting for the police to turn up and I was bothered because I thought it might be my son who goes out quite a lot along that road."

Carer Elaine Hudson, from West Yorkshire, who was working in a house near the scene of the accident, said she saw a broken mobile phone in the road.

She said: "I went down after it had happened.

"I saw the ambulance and the police cars but by the time I got there he had already been taken away.

"It is an awful road but there's no need for a crossing."

Coun Marjorie Adams, Coates ward councillor, said: "I was surprised when I heard where this had happened because we get more accidents on the road from Kelbrook to the Stone Trough.

"We asked the county council for a crossing for the schoolchildren a few years ago but they said that there had not been any accidents there."

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "We received a call to a road traffic collision in Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick at 12.42pm.

"It appears that the man was on his mobile telephone and has stepped out in front of the ambulance.

"The ambulance was on a training exercise and had its blue lights illuminated at the time.

"The man was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital and has since died."

Eyewitnesses to the incident are being asked to contact Sgt Gareth Hill, of the Colne road traffic police unit, on 01282 425001.

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Your Say YourLancashire Telegraph

Anon, Barnoldswick says...
5:50pm Thu 29 May 08

'man in his late 20s' BBC says '50 year old man' any one any wiser on the facts??

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anon, barnoldswick says...
6:04pm Thu 29 May 08

he was in his 50's

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Neil Taylor, Colne says...
6:09pm Thu 29 May 08

Sorry for the ambulance crew and the man's family, BUT... Why the hell was this chap dragged all the way to Blackburn Royal when Airedale is clearly closer to the scene of the accident?

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anon, barnoldswick says...
6:37pm Thu 29 May 08

since burnley closed thats where crews have to take us to - you only go airedale if you can talk and request it

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zoe, says...
9:33pm Thu 29 May 08

RIP it ws a male age 52 - i wont name as i dont know if all the family know yet xx

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Tom Pepper, Burnley says...
9:57pm Thu 29 May 08

The ambulance driver wasn't a qualified driver and was only under tuition at the time on his first ever 'blue light' drive.

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anon, barnoldswick says...
10:13pm Thu 29 May 08

R.I.P Thinking of all the family. Xx

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Barlicker, Barnoldswick says...
6:28am Fri 30 May 08

This tragic case only reinforces the grossly mistaken decision to close Burnley's A&E department. I hope those behind this stupid idea are now satisfied with their actions.

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michele, says...
8:21am Fri 30 May 08

R.I.P. NEIL.
sincere thoughts to all his family, neil garner was a well known man in barnoldswick.

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hannah, earby says...
9:12am Fri 30 May 08

Do you think you are helping the family by highlighting the fact that he was taken to Blackburn and not Burnley? He was taken by air ambulance, not by road, and the difference would not be that great going by air. RIP Neil x

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hannah, earby says...
9:33am Fri 30 May 08

I have just read the update and the air ambulance was not used but I still think people should be considering the feelings of the family and not be discussing the hospital situation

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mel, Barlick says...
12:08pm Fri 30 May 08

why mention the fact he was on his phone but not mention the speed the ambulance was going? its not against the law to talk on a phone as a pedestrian, it is agains the law to drive without due care and attention. this was not a delibrate act my heart goes out to the driver, someone has to take real resposibility however, i did not witness the accident but have been told by a witness speed was a factor and Neil might still be alive but for the speed

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kb, barlick says...
2:32pm Fri 30 May 08

first and foremost my condolences to the family for their sad loss

speed was a factor? if someone steps out in front of a vehicle there will be a point where you will NOT be able to avoid them even at 20/30mph....

As for the hospital situation - whether or not the closest one was used may not have been a factor if the injuries were severe..

all suposition until the police confirm

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Me, The burn says...
2:33pm Fri 30 May 08

Oh for goodness sake mel... the fact that they mentioned he was on his mobile probably states he wasnt paying full attention to the traffic on the road!!!! I doubt very much the tutor would of let the driver go at dangerous speeds, even though you can kill at 30mph.... Ambulance paramedics do a great job, yes my heart goes out to Neils family but also to the driver as it will probably wreck his career let alone his confidence.

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kb, barlick says...
2:38pm Fri 30 May 08

me thoughts exactly "me"

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anon, England says...
2:45pm Fri 30 May 08

I think that at times like this we should reserve judgement until all the facts are known. So far I have read various versions of events, highlighting the lack of concrete facts currently surrounding this case. I will however say that this is a tragic situation, and our hearts go out to Neil's family, as well as the ambulance crew involved. We should not to make the situation any more painful for everyone involved by fuelling the fire with rumour and speculation. It is unhelpful and unnecessary.RIP Neil.

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l, barlick says...
3:31pm Fri 30 May 08

its no use everyone speculating what happened. And whoever mentioned the mans career, he can always get another job, neil can never get his life back and the poor boys will never get their dad back, so screw the guys career. It is not an offence to walk along the road speaking to someone. Maybe no one is to blame but i know who i would put my money on and it would not be neil. Thinking of all the close knit family at this time and hope everyone pulls together to get through this. god bless you all x

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JJ, barlick says...
3:51pm Fri 30 May 08

I have know the ambulance driver for a long time the man is not a trainee out for his first run as others have put it but a very expereiced driver. this tragic accident happened because it was meant to be this way. may the family of the dead have strength during this very upsetting time. may god bless you all.

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JJ, barlick says...
3:52pm Fri 30 May 08

I have know the ambulance driver for a long time the man is not a trainee out for his first run as others have put it but a very expereiced driver. this tragic accident happened because it was meant to be this way. may the family of the dead have strength during this very upsetting time. may god bless you all.

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David and Kath, skelmersdale says...
4:38pm Fri 30 May 08

Rest in peace now Neal,Do not have the words to covey sorrow we feel for the family and friends of Neal of which i am proud to Know.

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LLH, Lancashire says...
7:32pm Fri 30 May 08

Thank you 'L' for those kind and compassionate words which will no doubt help the driver of the ambulance (no matter how young or old, experienced or inexperienced) come to terms with yesterdays events. We should not lecture emergency crews on the relevence of speed in this incident. I would imagine that a Paramedic would have a greater appreciation than most of us as to the impact that the innapropriate use of speed can have. Every day an ambulance crew is required to balance the risks associated with high speed driving with the potentially live saving benefits of a quicker response time, so that you, the general public can live in the relative comfort of knowing that should you ever require it, skilled assistance is not that far away. I am sure this is no easy task. Can I again reiterate that WILD SPECULATION HELPS NOBODY. Let the authorities do their job, the paramedic(s)involved come to terms with these tragic events, and the family grieve. Whatever you may think , you can'not possibly know all the facts . Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy go out to all involeved in this tragic accident.

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louise, fellow paramedic says...
9:33pm Fri 30 May 08

May my fellow medics find strength and courage to get through each day.Please allow youself time to heal. My thoughts are with you mate,you were just doing your job.x I pray for the family of this young father.It is not important which hospital he was transported to,thats a battle for another day.No-one has the right to point the finger of blame. It was a tragic accident.

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Anon, says...
1:27am Sat 31 May 08

Go on blame the ambulance driver you have no idea how difficult it is!!!it would be a different story if it took too long to get to your relative! they drive to the conditions of the road and that is a bloody wide road! As for Airedale its actually not nearer and is not a trauma centre and cannot cope with a lot of life threatening trauma situations BBurn was the best choice and a smoother drive RIP Neal

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gill, burnley says...
2:06am Sat 31 May 08

quote
quote
God bless you Garner family you dont deserve this love you all thinking about you all the time forget about whose fault it is just remember this family has lost someone very special very sorry luv u all ****

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caroline, burnley says...
2:08am Sat 31 May 08

my sincere thoughts are with you all god bless caroline burnley ****

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anon, says...
3:14am Sat 31 May 08

Until you do the job for yourself you are in no position to comment. We are trained to a high standard in all elements of our job so that we can help the general public when they need us. Yes this is a tragic thing that has happened but for all who have left negative comments (eg get another job) you are so far out of line. We risk our life and limb at all hours of the day and night to be at your beck and call, I'd like to see how you would cope in many of the situations we have to face on a daily basis. My thoughts are with the gentleman's family and also all my colleagues involved. Some people need to learn a little more respect.

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m, pendle says...
9:55am Sat 31 May 08

anon, i agree with your comments. prayers for the family and the driver.

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Laura, Barnoldswick says...
7:16pm Sat 31 May 08

I am Neils niece and I woiuld just like to say to all those that are arguing and squabbling over speed, hospitals and mobile phones - do you really think any of this matters. What matters is a man who was very much loved by all his family has had his life taken away from his so tragically. Right now we as his family need time to get over this and deal with this in our own way. We appreciate all your kind words but speculating over what might have happened is really not your place - especially on such a website as this which is open to all of Neils family to read. Thanks Laura Garner.

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salterforth resident., says...
8:16pm Sat 31 May 08

my deepest condolences to neals family at this sad time,i worked with neal at albert hartleys years ago.Theres no doubt speed was a factor in this terrible accident.What has to be done to stop this road claiming more lives.As a resident of salterforth for some 30 years,and seen some terrible accidents,which have claimed over 15 people over those 30 years,and it will only be a matter of time before it claims another,with the breakneck speeds that some motorists insist on travelling along its length.I have seen cars 3 abreast,passing bollards on the wrond side of the road,teenage tearaways,in small cars,with big exhaust pipes,(you know who you are)for god sake SLOW DOWN,ITS 40MPH!!!!

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Neals Family, Barnoldswick says...
9:55am Sun 1 Jun 08

Neals family would like to thank everyone for thier kindness and messages of condolence over this desperately sad time our hearts are broken.As for Rs comments lets hope nothing like this ever happens to you u saddo. WE LOVE YOU NEAL XX Mum & Family

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Jan and Andy, barnoldswick says...
3:04pm Sun 1 Jun 08

Rest in peace Neal you will be missed by all your family and friends sorry for loss your Shirley and family do not worry as Carl will take him under his wing and look after him

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shaza, says...
3:07pm Sun 1 Jun 08

why doesnt everyone stop blaming the driver til all the facts are known and let neils family grieve for him,lets show some compassion.RIP neil

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meralz, Walverdan park says...
4:19pm Sun 1 Jun 08

RIP UNCLE CHARLIE (^)

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barlick anon, barlick says...
12:18am Mon 2 Jun 08

I find all this really sad let the bloke rip as laura said give the family some space all this will not be helping anyone ... let them have some peace at this tragic time and if it wasnt a accident that will be dealt with between the ambulance and the police .. stop acting like kids and have some respect...

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dijon, Fleetwood says...
1:07am Mon 2 Jun 08

Shirley Barry we will remember this sunday for evermore all the emotions Love Sorrow Joy Pain Anguish Laughter but never anger. All the boys are men to be truely proud of (and the girls women of worth) we love you all John and Diane.

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Burnley Taxpayer, Burnley says...
1:44pm Mon 2 Jun 08

Barlicker wrote:
This tragic case only reinforces the grossly mistaken decision to close Burnley's A&E department. I hope those behind this stupid idea are now satisfied with their actions.
What a pointless comment. From reading the story the travel to hospital was not the cause of his death.

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Jan and Andy, barnoldswick says...
10:02pm Mon 2 Jun 08

Rest in peace Neal you will be missed by all your family and friends sorry for your loss Shirley and family do not worry as Carl will take him under his wing and look after him

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Giz, Barnoldswick says...
10:17am Tue 3 Jun 08

Neal you will be sorely missed mate. You welcomed me in to your home at a very young age and I will never forget that. I don't think I (and most people) have ever met such a charasmatic man. I don't know what to say now. Meeting Matt and Robbo later I think and we're coming down to see you. x

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Matt Nutter, Barnoldswick says...
8:44pm Tue 3 Jun 08

Love you Neal thanks for everything you did for me really will miss you!
Like jan and andy said carl will look after you!Love Nuts RIP

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Garron Garner, School says...
2:49pm Wed 4 Jun 08

i am neals nephew he was a very well loved man and anyone who says otherwise at this time give us time to greive and go away

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Kathy Taylor, Ottawa, Canada says...
12:53pm Thu 5 Jun 08

I am Neal's Auntie. I just want to say. All you naysayers, please keep your comments to yourself and give this family time deal with this tragedy and to grieve. I loved Neal very much. This family has more love and support for each other than any family I have ever known. I am so proud to have had Neal as my nephew and to be a part of this beautiful family. Shirley and family. My heart goes out to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I love you, Rest sweetly my darling Neal. Much love. Kath

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Comments are closed on this article.

CRASH SCENE: Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick CRASH SCENE: Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick

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