Investigation under way into Oswestry lorry death

Heavy barriers at the entrance to the car park at the store entered his cab, crushing him.

Investigators removed a barrier from the scene of the accident in Oswestry and took photographs of the scene.

They are attempting to find out how the man, who is in his 60s, died at the entrance to the Smithfield car park in Oswestry.

Shocked pedestrians ran to the aid of the man following the accident.

But they were unable to free him and he died despite the efforts of emergency services at the scene.

Police today appealed for witnesses as they attempted to piece together evidence.

Officers from the Health and Safety Executive and specialist police investigators were at the scene all day yesterday following the accident at about 7am.

No other vehicle is believed to have been involved. The Argos store was closed all day following the driver's death.

Steve Parry, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We had two ambulances and an officer at the scene. Despite the efforts of medics, it became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save a man who was confirmed dead at the scene."

Richard Ewels, of West Mercia Police, said: "The man was driving a delivery vehicle which is thought to have come into contact with a car park barrier.

"We are still investigating exactly what happened and are appealing for witnesses. At this stage, we do not think any other vehicle was involved. The driver was the only person in the lorry."

A post mortem is being arranged and an inquest will be opened in the next few days.

Smithfield Street was closed for several hours while the emergency services worked at the scene and some shops in the the area, including Marks and Spencer and Argos, were also closed for a time.

Police sergeant Lee Johnson said: "We had to close local roads while investigations were ongoing and this took a number of hours.

"We can only apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Argos staff arriving for work found the shop was at the centre of a major emergency and were sent home.

A spokeswoman for Argos said: "We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in an accident in the car park adjoining the Argos Oswestry store in Smithfield Street. As a result, a Wincanton delivery driver operating from our Heywood distribution centre was fatally injured.

"We offer our deepest sympathies to the family involved and are providing help and support to all of those affected by this tragic incident.

"An urgent and full investigation into the causes of the accident has commenced. We are actively assisting the police and Health and Safety Executive in their investigations. The store remains closed at this time.

"The welfare and safety of our drivers remains of the utmost importance to us."

Any witnesses to the accident should call Oswestry police station on 101.