The driver of a lorry belonging to an Isle of Wight firm has been arrested after 2 pedestrians were knocked down outside Red Funnel’s terminal in Southampton this morning (Friday).
It was just before 10:40 that a white MAN lorry collided with a man and a woman – both aged in their 60s – on Town Quay, directly outside the exit of the Red Funnel terminal, as first reported by Island Echo.
It’s understood the lorry – belonging to Newport-based Medina Food Service – had travelled across the Solent on the 09:30 ferry from East Cowes. Within just seconds of disembarking the ferry and rolling out of the terminal, turning left, the vehicle came into contact with the 2 pedestrians.
A man in his 60s has sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision, with a woman in her 60s escaping with minor injuries. They have both been conveyed to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that a 69-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving.
He remains in custody for questioning at this time.
Emergency services remain on scene at this time as a forensic investigation gets underway.
A spokesperson for the Force has said:
A road closure is currently in place from the Holiday Inn down to Town Quay. This is likely to be in place for some time while emergency services continue to work at the scene.
“Please be aware that this will not only impact the road network but also the ferry port.
“We thank you for your patience while teams deal with this incident”.
Red Funnel initially suspended its vehicle ferry service in its entirety, but the service has now resumed – but for foot passengers, cars and small vehicles up to 6.5m in length. A second exit to the terminal is currently being used.
[…] LORRY DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER 2 PEDESTRIANS STRUCK OUTSIDE RED FUNNEL TERMINAL […]
Given their age, perhaps they were not looking or aware they were crossing at a dangerous point… Seems harsh to arrest the driver…
That whole area has been an accident waiting to happen for years and improvements made have made it worse quite how red Funnel have got away with it ???answers on a postage stamp please “money or shareholders talk,thoughts with all three of the people involved,…And age?60 is the new 40 don’t you know ?at least according to UK Government and ever rising pension age!!.
My sympathies to the two run over but annoyed at Red Funnel who failed to put up a notice at Southampton Central to say the bus link was suspended. Didn’t enjoy traipsing down to the RJ terminus with my luggage.
Are you serious?! Jeez
Not drivers fault is it… its red funnel for never sorting an entry and exit passage safe for both.
That’s awful I hope the gentleman is going to be ok?
Very sad to hear this. I pray they are both ok
Were they on the pavement or in the road? Fed up of arrogant oldies just walking out….
I blame the Audi driver