Pensioner dies in Horning driveway accident
A Norfolk village was left in shock when an 80-year-old man died after getting trapped under his car in his his driveway.
Police closed off School Road, in Horning, after the tragedy, which happened at around 6am.
It is thought the man, who has not been officially named, was backing out of the drive when his car door become caught up in a gatepost and he was dragged underneath the vehicle.
Firefighters from Wroxham and Sprowston managed to release the man from under the automatic 4X4 car, and he was treated by paramedics, but he died of his injuries.
Shocked neighbours said the man, believed to be Harry Wood, was getting ready to leave home with his wife to go on holiday when the tragedy happened.
Last night his family was too upset to talk about the tragedy.
Neighbours said the victim was often seen in the village, buying a newspaper, walking his dog, or riding a bike. He is believed to have been a former RNLI engineer and moved to Horning at least three years ago from the north of England.
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One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “He was a really nice man, and they were a nice friendly couple. It’s horrendous – the door hooked on to the gatepost which pulled open and pulled him out of the car.”
Lisa Hodds, from nearby A&H yachting, said she had spoken to the man the day before the accident.
“He was a lovely bloke. I only just spoke to him yesterday and he was going on holiday to Spain,” she said. “My sister had just had a baby and he was just after a picture.”
Police closed the road for most of the morning while emergency services attended the scene and were later carrying out a detailed examination of the area.
While there are no suspicious circumstances, officers are also believed to be looking at whether the victim stepped on the wrong pedal as the car became caught up with the gatepost.
Norfolk coroner William Armstrong has also been informed of the death and an inquest is expected to open shortly. Police said no other information about the deceased would be released at this stage.
