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One day it's a show winner the next day it's a gonner
Page 22
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I WRITE IN RESPONSE to the Commercial Motor investigation into wagon fires ( CM 20 July). In 12 years of driving a wagon [didn't experience a wagon fire until 31 May 2006— and 1 hope I never do again.
On 20 and 21 May I was proudly showing off my brand new Scania Topline R470 at the Peak Truck Show. Despite the wagon only being one day old and not having done a day's work I managed to win a highly commended in two categories.The wagon was running fine and no problems had been reported.
Yet only a week or so later, things changed considerably. I was travelling on the A46 from Bath towards .118 of the M4 on the Wednesday morning. I had just picked up 300 sheep and was on my way home when disaster struck.
I first noticed black smoke coming from underneath the wagon from the exhaust, so I thought I would pull up at the first available place and check out the problem.
Before [had chance to do so a passing wagon flashed and waved to get my attention.I looked in my mirror and saw flames coming from underneath the cab.
My first thought was to pull over safely and get the trailer as far away from the unit as possible while ensuring that I didn't get injured. I managed to jump out and uncouple the trailer. I then had to jump back into the unit to drive it forward.All the while the fire was getting worse. I grabbed what possessions I could and jumped back out to safety.
A van driver following called the fire brigade (which I had passed only moments before) and stopped to help me out by directing traffic around me at a safe distance.
By the time the fire brigade arrived, the wagon was destroyed.
There was nothing I could do but watch my new wagon and 12 years of accumulated belongings burn to cinders.
The Animal Welfare Agency paid me a visit and instructed me to take the sheep back to where they had come from for the night as they weren't allowed to be on the trailer for more than eight to 10 hours.This meant that I had to wait for one of my fellow workers to make his way down to pick up the trailer.
I was left in the lay-by with the sheep until 5pm that evening. I had no money, no food and no jacket to keep me warm.We spent that night in the wagon with no sleeping gear, but my co-worker was kind enough to lend me money to buy some tea.
Once I eventually got home on the Thursday night. the full force of the experience hit me. I realised how lucky I had been, but I also felt gutted for the things I hadn't managed to save.
I've gradually been trying to build up my belongings and I'm currently driving a hire wagon while Scania investigates why a twoweek-old truck burst into flames. I'm told will get some compensation for the items] lost but I'll never forget my experience.
Michael Pain By e-mail