Photo (NIKKI GRIFFIN): VNG260814-24
A lorry ploughed through the corner of a restaurant where staff were resting on Monday evening.
Incredibly, no one was seriously hurt in the crash which happened in High Road, Whaplode, during heavy rain at about 9pm.
Arfon and Tracey Lewis were in a car behind the lorry as it veered across the A151 and struck Indian restaurant Spice Cottage.
Tracey said: “We thought the driver was just going to park on the kerb. My husband realised the lorry had hit the restaurant and shouted ‘what the hell is he doing?’”
Mr Lewis then went to check on the driver while his wife rang 999.
The incident has instantly led to the loss of six people’s jobs and the building – formerly The Star public house – might have to be pulled down.
The cause of the crash is unclear but speed is not thought to be a factor.
Philip Hilton, managing director of Hilton’s Distribution in Baston, said on Tuesday: “Our tracker shows that he was travelling at 27mph.
“We also know that there was no other vehicle involved.”
Ironically, the 69-year-old male driver was shunting readymade Indian meals from Sutton Bridge to Spalding.
The lorry came to rest just a couple of metres from the home of Simon and Gemma Sleight, who are expecting their second child on September 24.
The couple were on the sofa trying to choose a name for the baby when the drama happened.
Simon (30) said: “Everything was shaking with this really loud noise which we thought was either thunder or an earthquake.
“We thought the lorry’s headlights were lightning.
“Gemma was a bit shaken – I think she thought she was going to have the baby!”
The couple and four-year-old daughter Paris were forced to sleep elsewhere because gas and water supplies were affected.
The lorry driver was taken to hospital and noted to have low blood pressure. He has since had a minor heart problem but Mr Hilton said this was not linked to the cause of the accident.
Witnesses to the crash are asked to call police on 01522 558855.
