Taxi boss injured in head-on smash
A TAXI driver from Newquay is thought to be in a critical condition following a head-on crash in the early hours of Sunday morning.
John Kirk, who runs Porth Cars, was driving along the A38 near Menheniot when his minibus was involved in a collision with a van at around 5.30am.
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CRASH SCENE: A taxi driver is thought to be in critical condition following a head-on collision on the A38 near Menheniot in the early hours of Sunday. : BBC Spotlight
Police have confirmed they are now investigating the possibility one of the vehicles was travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway.
The Cornish Guardian understands that up to four people were involved in the accident, and at least one of them has suffered life-changing injuries.
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Newquay's mayor Kevin Towill, who used to work with Mr Kirk at Bluebird Taxis, said he was shocked and saddened to hear what had happened.
"I've known John for many years and my heart goes out to him and his family and to everybody involved in the accident," he said.
"We don't know the details at the moment. It's very tragic.
"We wish him a speedy recovery."
Andy Pascoe, who is the owner of Pentire Taxis, said Mr Kirk's family was "very distraught".
He said: "Pentire Taxis work quite closely with Porth Cars and John, and we're currently looking after all his customers until he's well enough again.
"It's my personal intention to go and see him when he's well again."
A spokeswoman for Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where Mr Kirk was taken for treatment, declined to confirm his condition.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene after the incident occurred on the westbound carriageway of the A38.
Inspector Andy Oliver said: "Police are investigating whether one of the vehicles was in fact on the wrong side of the road when they were involved in a head-on collision."
He said two of the victims were taken to Derriford Hospital with serious injuries, including to the chest and leg.
Anyone with information about the crash is being asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 213 of September 23.
Comments
by bombheads12
Friday, September 28 2012, 11:15AM
“I certainly hope the people concerned make a good recovery it is so sad that some Highway agency road designer got it so wrong which contributed to this accident it was only a few months ago that there was an accident on this part of the road (literally 100 yds away) that looked pretty awesome and how people escaped injury beggars belief.
I know people want to join the A38 at this junction dont get me wrong but please Highways agency / Cornwall council whoever please change the road layout so that drivers cannot "crosover" a dual carriageway make them either go up to liskeard or down to Castle motors.......”