This seems to be the case of a JCB driver who was declared a hero after swerving to avoid a queue of stationary cars and was killed following a 60 ft fall from a cliff, the Sun has learned. The hero identified as Michael Meehan, age 53, was driving his 8.5-ton digger down a steep hill during wet conditions when he rounded a bend at 20 mph and came across a row of vehicles.
Meehan of Filton, Bristol, realized he will not be able to stop in time and avoid a crash, so he veered into the outside lane.
Then, he tried to stop the vehicle by lowering the front bucket of his digger but he lost control on it because the front wheels lifted and the brakes locked.
Witnesses at the scene were horrified to see the digger falling from the cliff until eventually it landed on the carriage-way under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Meehan, who was a father of four, died on the spot as he suffered chest injuries. As surprising as it may seem, no one else was injured following the tragic accident.
Geoffrey Woodland, a witness at the scene, was driving behind Meehan when the accident happened. He described the victim as "heroic" in a statement.
In addition, deputy coroner Bryan Whitehouse said Michael's gesture is praiseworthy.
“I’ve no doubt from the evidence that he took this avoidance action deliberately. His quick-thinking deserves credit," he said.
The tragedy left four children without a father, but Michael's widow is praising her ex-husband as well.
"He died a hero. He could have taken a lot of other people out with him, but put their safety above his own," she confessed.
Hero or not, Michael Meehan should be an example for all those drivers who put other road users' lives at risk. And yes, we refer to that category of motorists charged with DUI, speeding or cell use. Maybe they will find something to learn out of this story...
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