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Healthcare worker tells of A59 horror crash as hunt for two people who fled BMW continues

Posted on - 4th February, 2025 - 2:43pm | Author - | Posted in - Preston News, Ribble Valley News, Roads, Transport
The damage to Mr Sumner’s vehicle on the A59 Pic: Blog Preston/Zander Sumner

A healthcare worker says his ‘life flashed before his eyes’ as he was left crawling from his written-off car in a hit and run crash.

Zander Sumner has told Blog Preston about how he could have died when a BMW driver hit the car he was driving on the A59.

Mr Sumner, 42, was on his way back from work on Sunday evening as he headed along Longsight Road near Northcote Hotel in the Clitheroe direction.

Read more: Two people seriously injured in rural road crash between Longridge and Ribchester

He said: “I’d just left work and maybe 90-seconds in or so and this car was coming straight towards me at full speed.

“It had pulled out from behind this cattle truck and I had nowhere to go.

“I thought, this is it, I’m dead. I know it sounds cliché but literally my life was flashing before my eyes.

“And then I woke up and the car was an absolute wreck. I was at the side of the road and I thought I’ve got to get out.”

The red Fiat500L – his family car – received extensive damage as did the black BMW which Mr Sumner said hit him.

Mr Sumner, who lives in Billington near Clitheroe, told Blog Preston: “I could feel my legs so I thought I can get out.

“Then I tried to reach for my phone and the pain rippled through my fingers at that point.

“Somehow, I don’t know where from, I managed to crawl out of the car and get to the pavement.

“This woman was driving along and she stopped and came to my aid, and I was just so thankful I was alive.

“She and all these residents from the housing estate nearby were amazing.”

Mr Sumner in hospital receiving treatment Pic: Blog Preston

Mr Sumner was taken to hospital for treatment and injuries including a broken collarbone, ribs, along with sprains and damage to his spine, back, fingers, knuckles and groin.

He said: “It really hurts, but I just can’t help thinking it’s so lucky my kids were not in the car.”

Emergency services closed off the A59 during Sunday evening following the crash at 7.30pm.

A police spokesperson confirmed two cars were involved and two people from a BMW left the scene. No arrests have been made.

Mr Sumner, who has two children aged ten and seven, said: “Those who ran off need to do the right thing. It’s up to them to stop hiding and come forward.

“There’s still time to put it right or they will have it on their conscience.”

Mr Sumner has been up and about with the aid of his wife Lindsey. He said friends and family can’t believe he isn’t more seriously injured.

Lindsey, 42, with her husband Zander Pic: Blog Preston

He said: “We took the car to the breakers yard and they are just stunned I walked away from it.

“The car is completely written off.”

As well as working in healthcare Mr Sumner is a guitarist in one of the UK’s leading tribute bands to The Smiths.

The Johnny Marr fan said: “I don’t think I’ll be gigging for a while with these knuckles and fingers as they are.

“But hopefully I can continue to heal and be back on stage.

“Believe it or not my favourite song to perform is Cemetery Gates but I think after Sunday I might need to pick another favourite.”

Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash is asked to call police on 101 quoting LC-2025-0202-1116.

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