In what witnesses are calling a miraculous escape, a 68-year-old pensioner narrowly avoided tragedy when a driver lost control and ploughed into a crowd of mourners outside his own father's funeral service.
The Moment Terror Struck
The peaceful gathering outside St James the Great Church in Birstall, Leicestershire, turned to chaos last Tuesday afternoon when a blue Ford Fiesta mounted the kerb and careened into the funeral party. John Smith, who was among those paying their final respects to his 92-year-old father, found himself directly in the vehicle's path.
"It happened in the blink of an eye," recalled another mourner. "One moment we were sharing memories, the next there was screaming and crunching metal. We thought we'd lost John for sure."
A Brush With Mortality
Emergency services rushed to the scene following multiple 999 calls reporting the serious incident. Paramedics treated the pensioner for significant injuries at the scene before transporting him to Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Despite the terrifying nature of the collision, medical staff confirmed the victim suffered no life-threatening injuries, though he remains shaken by the experience that unfolded on what was already an emotionally charged day.
Community in Shock
Local residents expressed their horror at the incident, with many describing the road outside the historic church as an accident waiting to happen. "We've been concerned about speeding along this stretch for years," shared one long-term Birstall resident. "For this to happen during a funeral service is absolutely devastating for the family and our community."
Ongoing Investigation
Leicestershire Police have confirmed they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward as they work to piece together exactly what caused the driver to lose control at such a devastating moment.
The family has requested privacy as they recover from the traumatic events that turned a day of mourning into a brush with mortality.
