A significant incident unfolded early on Tuesday, April 1, when a tractor collided with two residential houses on the A51 Vicars Cross Road in Chester, resulting in a scene of considerable destruction. The crash occurred at approximately 6.36am, prompting immediate response from local law enforcement and emergency services.
Police reports indicate that the tractor, which reportedly contained farm slurry, was involved in a collision with a Mercedes before crashing into the two homes located near the junction of Pearl Lane. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported among the residents of the destroyed houses, though the drivers of the tractor and the Mercedes were taken to Countess of Chester Hospital as a precaution. Both men have since been discharged, as confirmed by Cheshire Police.
According to witnesses, the damage was extensive. Photographs from the scene depict a chilling aftermath: the fronts of the houses were entirely devastated, with a child's bed precariously perched atop the overturned tractor, alongside children's stuffed toys visible inside. Emergency services, including dozens of firefighters, worked diligently for hours to remove the tractor and its trailer from the residential structures. A local cat was also rescued by the fire brigade during their operations.
One affected resident, Jumad Chowehuro, who has lived in one of the damaged houses for 40 years, recounted the harrowing experience. His son, who had awakened for school moments before the crash, narrowly avoided potential injury when the vehicle crashed through his bedroom wall. Jumad expressed his disbelief and distress over the incident, stating, “This is my house. I don’t know what happened... My son was asleep in his bed, thankfully he got up just before it happened.”
The emotional toll on the family was evident, with Jumad noting that his wife was now fearful following the crash. He remarked on the unfortunate history of incidents in the area, claiming that previous accidents had occurred along Vicars Cross Road, further highlighting the community’s concerns regarding road safety.
As investigations into the crash continue, the driver of the Mercedes, a 52-year-old man from Boughton, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and drug driving; he has since been released pending further inquiries. Local authorities have since assumed traffic management responsibilities at the site.
Cheshire Police are appealing for anyone with information or video footage related to the incident to come forward, urging the public to provide any relevant insights that could aid in their ongoing investigation.
Source: Noah Wire Services