Four killed as van mounts pavement

A woman pushing her two-year-old grandson in his buggy was one of four people killed yesterday morning when a florist's van crashed into pedestrians.

The child escaped with grazes when the van careered out of control in Reedley, near Burnley, Lancashire, but his grandmother, Ivy Waddington, 66, and a couple walking their dog died. The van driver, Kenneth Burton, 60, was found dead at the wheel of his van. Police are investigating the possibility that he suffered a heart attack.

Two-year-old Craig Waddington was examined at Burnley General Hospital but released immediately to be taken home by his parents Alan and Julie Waddington, of nearby Nelson.

Inspector Stuart Boothman, of Colne police, said: "Until we see all the witnesses and get a true picture, we do not know exactly what happened. But it was a remarkable escape. He [Craig] was only slightly injured, Thank God. It is miraculous."

Mr Burton, who had run local deliveries for Interflora for 20 years, was driving along the A56 Colne Road towards the shop he ran with wife Joyce in Brierfield when the van swerved on to the pavement. Tyre-tracks appeared to show that it ploughed on for almost 50 yards after the impact. One of the victims was trapped under the wreckage and had to be released by fire crews.

Last night, police had still not identified the two other victims of the accident, who died together with their dog.