Heckmondwike sees third road fatality in under nine months after death of 'Mr Bus'

Phil Carlton, 71, from Liversedge, known to friends and colleagues as ‘Mr Bus’, was the third person killed in Heckmondwike town centre in under nine months as a result of a road traffic collision.

Mr Carlton was hit on Westgate on September 30 and died at the scene.

A post from Arriva Yorkshire, said: “One of our much-loved drivers Phil Carlton - Mr Bus - was tragically killed while walking back from the bus hub to the depot for his break.

“As a mark of respect our buses in Heckmondwike will display black ribbons. Our deepest sympathies go to Phil’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.”

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “We’re sorry to hear about this latest incident and our thoughts are with those involved.

“We’re unable to comment further on this latest incident until the police have concluded their investigations.

“However the council remains committed to road safety and have been working with the police to look into what could be done to better control pedestrian movements across this busy main road.

“Unfortunately as with all busy roads there isn’t always a simple solution and no solution can completely erase risk of an accident, but we hope to be able to put in place a plan of action in the near future.”

Mr Carlton’s death comes after Valentine Hannan, 81 was struck and died on Westgate on January 8; 69-year-old Jean Hepworth was killed on the same street after being hit on February 26; and Asaf Mir, 53, broke both legs and required a skin graft after being hit in the town centre.

DS Alison Webb, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “We’re conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of this collision, which resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

“I would ask anyone who saw the collision, the white Volvo lorry or the man just prior to the collision, or who has any dashcam footage of what took place to contact MCET on 101 referencing police log 329 of September 30.”