6 days ago
Shocking moment 'drunk' forklift driver flips car upside down 'with father and son still in it' in terrifying wrecking spree
An allegedly 'drunk' forklift driver picked up and flipped a car upside down while father and son were still in it, shocking video footage shows.
Police were called to Newton Abbot, Devon, last night after witnesses reported seeing the forklift damaging vehicles near the Brunel Industrial estate.
Footage captured by a bystander shows the vehicle being lifted upside down and then being dropped to the ground, causing extensive damage.
The father and son could be seen trying to reason with the driver to no avail at around 9.40pm.
The car was left with smashed windows and severe damage to the front, back and roof.
According to witnesses, the father and son managed to escape before the forklift dropped it.
After dropping it to the ground, causing extensive damage, the man then picked up the car again and flipped it back over.
Another video shows police attempting to stop the forklift smashing into another car between Forde Road and Quay Road in the Devon town.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a man in his 50s has since been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit through drink and criminal damage.
One witness said: 'I was doing some fishing there - we normally park on that road.
'I saw a forklift in front of us, and suddenly, it started lifting this car with a father and son inside.
'They jumped out of the car before the forklift was able to flip it over, and he smashed up the car.
'I believe that was one of four cars that was targeted.'
Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'We received numerous calls from members of the public at around 9.40pm on Thursday 29 May following a report of a forklift driving through Queen Street and Quay Road, Newton Abbot damaging a number of vehicles.
'Officers attended and arrested a suspect.
'A man in his 50s from Newton Abbot was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit through drink and criminal damage.
'He remains in police custody at this time.'
A spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said: 'Last night, one crew from Newton Abbot fire station was mobilised to reports of a fuel leak in the Brunel industrial estate area coming from a vehicle.
'Upon our arrival, crews encountered an unusual RTC (Road Traffic Collision) being managed as a Police incident, involving a forklift and a private motor vehicle.
'All persons were free and clear of the vehicles and were uninjured on scene. Crews utilised a variety of oil absorbent blue pads to absorb the fuel that had leaked from the vehicle.
'We also used a putty substance known as Dammit to steam the fuel leak ready for recovery. In order to ensure the vehicle was safe to move, crews also used small tools to isolate the battery of the vehicle.
'Crews awaited recovery alongside our Police colleagues, then assisted with the cleaning up of any remaining debris and fluids. This was to ensure the roadway remained safe moving forward from this incident.'
