MAN, 27, DIES IN VAN CRASH HORROR
TRIBUTES have been paid to a young driver killed when his van ploughed into a row of houses in Oldham.
Joshua Hollingworth died after the white Transit van he was driving smashed into the front of a row of terrace houses on Lees Road and overturned.
Emergency services raced to the scene but 27-year-old Joshua, known as Josh, died. His family were being supported by specialist officers.
A 19 year-old passenger was also injured and taken to hospital.
Friends have shared their shock at the tragedy which occurred at around 5.45am on Saturday, and paid tribute to a man who ‘lived life to the max.’
Andrea Owens said on the M.E.N Facebook page: “RIP Josh, you will be missed by so many, my heart goes out to your family x”.
Nadine Cook said: “R.I.P. Josh, thinking of your family at this sad time. Xx”
Fiona Singleton said: “So so sad RIP Josh fly high with the angels babe life is so cruel xxx”
Craig Hampson said: “Known him since he was born... lived his life to the max that boy.”
Residents living on the road told the M.E.N. the van struck a garden wall as it came down the hill towards Lees before smashing into the front of a number of other properties, then overturning and ending up on its side in front of a bus stop on the opposite side of the road.
The road was closed for more than five hours as fire crews helped cut the casualties free and police and paramedics dealt with the aftermath of the tragedy. A number of houses also suffered significant damage, with cracks in front walls and some gardens reduced to rubble.
Inspectors were summoned to check the homes were still structurally safe whilst the gas supply to some of them had to be cut off due to pipes being damaged.
Lillian Longsden, 63, who has lived on the road for 33 years with husband Stephen, said: “We’re in a state of shock and really upset.
“It’s just so, so sad for a young man to die like that, what a waste of life. His mum was here this morning and I just feel so sorry for her and his family. All this can be replaced and repaired but he can’t be, it’s awful.”
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed it, has dash-cam footage, or who saw the van before the tragedy, is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 or 101, quoting incident number 529 of 21/10/17 or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.