Tony Callaghan, who runs the Fifteens pub in Pemberton, Wigan, said his team was “stuck” after the horror that unfolded outside Ormskirk Road last night (April 8). Witnesses described seeing a Land Rover crash into a group of pedestrians, killing a woman in her 40s.
Mr Callaghan confirmed that the woman had visited the bar and shared his condolences to her family after the tragedy. He told Manchester Evening News he does not know her identity, but understands that “she is not from the area” and that “she was visiting the family”.
READ MORE: Bus driver fights to save man who collapsed and died in downtown tragedy Two other male pedestrians were also seriously injured in the collision, police said. An investigation has been launched after witnesses described seeing two young men jump out of the Land Rover before being chased by others – sticking one to the ground until police arrived. “It’s a tragic thing that happened. People just went out to enjoy a night at our bar and it’s happening,” Callaghan said. “It’s awful. We wish all the best to all the families affected. Police outside Fifteens Pub in Pemberton, Wigan (Image: Manchester Evening News) “Our clients and staff took care of the injured people and gave first aid to the lady who unfortunately lost her life. I did not know the lady, but I know she was visiting the family for the weekend and it was not a very tragic incident. “It’s a trauma to the lady’s family and everyone involved last night. You can’t believe it happened in Pemberton.” Mr Callaghan said he had since spoken to staff who witnessed the incident and offered them support or leave if needed. “Coming to work and living what they did is not good for anyone,” he said. “We talked to all our staff and offered any help or advice or any leave from work, but everyone wants to return to business. Read more related articles Read more related articles “We are a close-knit group and we will stay together. Pemberton is a very close-knit community and this is probably one of the biggest bars and I think everyone in the bar supports each other and stays together.” Ryan Jackson, 27, and Shannon Corbett, 26, live together in an apartment directly across from the pub on the busy street. “I heard an all-powerful click and ran to the window and I was able to rock the lamppost,” Ryan said. “There was a man lying in the middle of the street and a woman on the sidewalk. Then we saw two young men jump out of the car and run away from the alley. But some dudes ran after them and nailed one of them to. There were many people helping. “I’m sure I saw a girl get out of the back of the car and run away.” Police scene on Ormskirk Street on Saturday (Image: Manchester Evening News) Shannon said: “The police arrived very quickly, followed by the fire brigade and then the ambulance. It is really said that the woman did not make it. She had three children, they tell us.” Gary Caunter, 54, a local, said the Fifteens pub had been very busy since the nearby White Swan was closed for renovations. “People gather outside to smoke and talk,” he said. The road is extremely busy. “They were so unlucky that they were there when the car came and hit them.” Strong police presence outside the pub on Saturday morning (Image: Manchester Evening News) PC Oliver Batty, of the GMP Serious Conflict Research Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the woman’s family, who are understandably devastated by the circumstances in which their loved one died. “We immediately started investigating the conditions and the road has been closed for a long time, while we carried out a series of investigations. “We are happy to hear from anyone who may have information or video from a dashboard camera that can help with our research and give the woman’s family the answers they deserve. In particular, anyone who may have seen a silver Land Rover The Freelander in the area of Ormskirk Road in the minutes before this incident is invited to contact us. “Anyone with information is requested to call 0161 856 4741 or report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.” Read more related articles Read more related articles
