Mechanic dragged along as truck crashes into house

GARDAÍ said a mechanic repairing a truck was very fortunate not to have been killed when it rolled down a hill, dragging him along.

James Keniry came to the help of a lorry driver from west Cork when his vehicle broke down on the hill in Youghal, Co Cork.

According to gardaí, the 28-year-old mechanic was working underneath the vehicle at the time it rolled backwards.

The driver managed to get it started but was unable to stop the 7.5 tonne Mercedes rigid truck rolling 120 metres down the hill where it crashed into the gable end of a house.

The accident happened at the steep Windmill Hill, near the town’s St Raphael’s Hospital at 10.15pm last Monday.

Mr Keniry, who is single, remained conscious as he was tended at the scene by Youghal ambulance paramedics before being taken to Cork University Hospital.

He sustained serious back injuries, but was said to be in a stable condition in hospital.

The truck driver was not injured.

His vehicle demolished a hand railing dividing the road from an adjacent footpath before crashing into a house at the junction with Ashe Street and South Cross Lane.

Neighbours reported hearing a “terrifying bang” as the truck hit the building.

The sole occupant of the house, an elderly woman, was away. However, her home suffered substantial damage.

The hill provides a busy access to the upper reaches of the town from South Main Street.

“There are often children gathered by the railing there but it doesn’t bear thinking what the consequences might have been at another time,” said Youghal resident John Barry.

The truck was being examined by gardaí.

* Gardaí said anybody who witnessed the accident should contact them at 024 92200.