A driver in his seventies has been arrested following a serious collision where a car ploughed into a group of eight joggers, resulting in six injuries with three individuals hospitalised in a serious condition.
Chaotic Scene on Country Lanes
The incident occurred shortly after 8pm on Tuesday evening as the runners were navigating a five-mile route along country lanes in the Cheshire village of Tattenhall, located near Chester. According to reports, all members of the group were appropriately equipped for the night-time run, wearing head torches and high-visibility vests to ensure they were clearly visible.
Eyewitness Describes 'Absolute Carnage'
An eyewitness at the scene described the aftermath as 'absolute carnage', with bodies scattered across the road and some runners suffering significant injuries. The witness emphasised that the joggers were correctly attired, stating, 'There is no way the driver of the Jeep wouldn't have seen them.' The vehicle reportedly came around a bend, mounted the verge, and slammed directly into the group.
A fleet of ambulances was dispatched to the location to attend to the casualties. Of the six injured runners, three sustained serious, potentially life-altering injuries to their legs and heads. The remaining two joggers were unharmed and immediately assisted their fellow club members while emergency services secured the area.
Emergency Response and Hospital Admissions
The injured individuals were transported to multiple hospitals for urgent treatment. One runner was taken to the major trauma centre in Stoke, two were admitted to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool, and one was treated at the Countess of Chester Hospital before being discharged later. The road was closed overnight as police conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
Driver Arrested and Investigation Underway
The 76-year-old driver of the Jeep Wrangler was breathalysed at the scene and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Preliminary tests confirmed that he had not been drinking alcohol. Authorities are now working to establish why the vehicle suddenly veered off the road and into the group of runners.
Cheshire Police have issued an appeal for any witnesses to come forward and assist with their ongoing enquiries. The force is particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the Jeep prior to the incident or who has dashcam footage of the area around the time of the collision.
Local Running Club Impacted
The group involved is believed to be members of the Tattenhall Runners, an established road running club that regularly meets at the Tattenhall Recreation Club, a sports field situated close to the scene of the accident. The club is well-known in the local community for its organised runs and participation in regional events.
This tragic event has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the tight-knit running community and the wider village of Tattenhall. The incident highlights the critical importance of road safety for both motorists and pedestrians, especially on rural lanes during evening hours.
