Motherwell couple killed by HGV crossing Hamilton road

Jan 12 2011 by Euan McLelland, Wishaw Press

AN ELDERLY Motherwell couple were killed by a lorry as they crossed a busy Hamilton road last Wednesday morning.

Jake and Emma Grier, both 76, who lived in Roman Road, were struck by an eight-wheeled HGV as they tried to cross Blackswell Lane at its junction with Townhead Street at 9.45am on January 5.

Witnesses said the couple were struck by the lorry as they tried to cross the busy junction while the traffic lights were at green, leaving the 63-year-old driver with no chance of stopping his vehicle.

Former steelworker Jake and Emma, who together worked in Motherwell’s Horseshoe Bar before retiring, had been out on a shopping trip when they were killed.

Emergency services fought to save the couple, however Mr Grier was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs Grier was rushed to Wishaw General but died a short time later.

The couple are survived by their three children; Kim (48), twins Jacqueline and Graham, 45, and five grandchildren.

The Griers’ shocked neighbour, Yvonne Steel, said: “They were just smashing neighbours. They were just a normal couple and will be missed by everyone here.

“I am in total shock by what’s happened.”

Witness Margaret Gallacher was driving behind the lorry when the collision took place.

She said: “The traffic lights were at green and the couple walked out in front of the lorry. The lorry driver never saw them.

“It looked like the lady was trying to encourage her husband to cross the road at the time.

“A lot of cars were behind the lorry and, when they realised that there had been an accident, they stopped to help.

“A nurse came from a car to help while another driver was assisting the couple.We didn’t want to move them as we didn’t want to cause any further damage.

“All we could do is talk to them until the paramedics arrived.”

Margaret’s colleague, Margaret Gallagher, a passenger in the Polo car, added: “It is shocking, to say the least.”

Another witness, who did not want to be named, said: “I was at the traffic lights waiting to turn right and I saw the lorry coming towards me.

“The driver was sitting about five feet up and wouldn’t have seen the couple walking out in front of him.

“The lorry’s wheel rolled over the top of the man. It was terrible.”

Enquiries are ongoing and a full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact Sergeant Ian Sneddon at Motherwell Traffic Police on (01698) 483125.