Police have issued an update after a man in his 30s was killed when a car crashed into a Lidl supermarket in Wolverhampton. The driver, a woman in her 70s, is believed to have suffered a medical incident while at the wheel and has been released from hospital.
Fatal Crash at Lidl Store
Emergency services were called to the Lidl store on Finchfield Hill on Friday shortly before 6pm. A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene, and three other people were taken to hospital, according to West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).
A woman who was left in a serious condition was rushed to hospital along with a man who was also inside the shop. The woman driver was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. Another four people were assessed by ambulance staff at the scene.
Driver Released from Hospital
West Midlands Police has confirmed that the driver, a woman in her 70s, was released from hospital on October 24. The force said she will be spoken to by officers in due course. Two people remain in hospital with serious injuries following the crash.
Specially-trained officers are supporting the family of the man who died. Images posted online show the dented car surrounded by toppled displays and goods inside the store, with a twisted shopping trolley and smashed glass visible outside the shopfront, which is behind a police cordon.
Appeal for Witnesses
Police are appealing to anyone who was driving in the area near the time of the collision to come forward. They are trying to piece together the moments leading up to the crash and have urged anyone who saw a blue Renault Zoe immediately before the collision to contact them.
Sergeant Chloe Collins, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) at West Midlands Police, said: "We are looking to speak to anyone who was driving in the area around Finchfield Hill between 5pm and 6pm yesterday. We want to understand what might have caused the collision and would especially like to see any dashcam footage which might show the car involved. If you remember seeing a blue Renault Zoe immediately before the collision, please do get in touch."
Witness Account
Photographer Tina Bonev was in the shop when she heard a "massive" crash and turned to look back at the entrance, seeing a "horrible" scene. She described seeing the aisle flying into the air, people helping a woman who was shaking, and part of the store missing, with glass and items flying. She said there was screaming and shouting, and children were crying.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Our enquiries are continuing after a man sadly died when a car crashed into a building in Wolverhampton. Since yesterday evening's incident in Finchfield Hill, our officers have worked alongside Fire and Ambulance Service colleagues to make the area safe and speak to witnesses. The driver of the car, a woman in her 70s, has been released from hospital and will be spoken to in due course. Two people remain in hospital with serious injuries and specially-trained officers are supporting the family of the man who died. Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are working to understand what happened in the lead-up to the collision and are keen to speak to any drivers in the area who may be able to help."
Anyone with information or images should call 101 or use the Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, quoting log 4069 of 23 October. The team can also be contacted directly by emailing SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk.
