An eight-year-old boy and a 39-year-old man were rushed to hospital after a BMW driver ploughed into their picnic table at a motorway service station on the M4. The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 am today at the Cardiff Gate services, where the black luxury car, driven by a 76-year-old woman, careered into an outdoor table before smashing into a shop.
Injuries and Response
The boy, the man, and the driver all sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment. Police confirmed that the man suffered serious, potentially life-changing injuries, though none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. A witness described the scene as 'awful,' stating that about 15 people attempted to lift the car off the victims. The shop's front window shattered upon impact, leading the witness to speculate that the driver may have experienced a medical emergency, given the speed at which the vehicle entered the building.
Witness Accounts
Another bystander recounted having to 'yank' her 13-year-old daughter out of the path of the car, which 'very nearly' struck her. She told Wales Online: 'About six or seven seconds later it hit the pedestrians and the service station. There was this almighty smash and the car actually went through the window. I can still hear the screams in my ears. My partner rushed down with some other guys and lifted the vehicle out of the window.'
Police Investigation
South Wales Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses. A spokesperson said: 'We are currently dealing with an incident at the Cardiff Gate Services. It is understood a car collided with a retail premises on the site. Three people have been taken to hospital including an 8-year-old child and a 39-year-old man, who were both pedestrians, and a 76-year-old woman who was the driver of the vehicle. It is understood none of the injuries are life-threatening. An investigation into the incident is underway. Anybody who was at that location who may have witnessed what happened is asked to make contact - please give reference 2600162925.'
Background
Cardiff Gate Services is also known as a filming location for the TV show Gavin and Stacey, particularly featuring in the 2008 Christmas Special when the characters travel to Billericay for Christmas.
