Disgust as teens pose for ‘jazz-hands’ photo at cordon of fatal Out Risbygate crash in Bury St Edmunds

Scene of a one car crash into a building on Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds. 21/03/1016 Archant

The sight of two smiling teenage girls posing for a ‘selfie’ at the scene of a fatal crash in Bury St Edmunds has been met with “disgust”.

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Car crashed into house on Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds. Car crashed into house on Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds.

An elderly man was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering from a medical episode and crashing into a block of flats on Out Risbygate yesterday morning, with a female passenger also injured.

Just minutes after his death two girls believed to be in their teens approached the cordon, passing dozens of emergency vehicles, and took a posed photo on a phone.

One teen then stood with arms outstretched in a ‘jazz hands’ pose in front of the cordon, with a smile plastered across her face, while her friend took the picture. Metres away a man was laying dead on the pavement behind a fire engine.

The ‘crash scene selfie’ was met with anger by Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, while officers at the scene said incidents like this were becoming more and more common.

Car crashed into house on Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds. Car crashed into house on Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds.

“I am absolutely astounded to hear that people can behave in this manner,” said Mr Passmore. “When you have a road accident, regardless of whether there is a fatality, this sort of behaviour is completely despicable.

“My condolences of course go out to the friends and family of the bereaved. To think that people can act with such a crass approach to this tragedy?

“Making fun of a road collision? It beggars belief. It shows a complete lack of respect and can cause great distress.

“I would hope that if they read the headlines they will be remorseful and not behave like this in the future. Hopefully this will be a lesson to anyone else out there who thinks this is an okay way to behave. How would they feel if it was their brother or their family member in an accident?”

The crash happened near to the junction with Spring Lane, with emergency services called just before 10.30am. An air ambulance attended, landing at nearby West Suffolk College.

It is not known if the two girls attend the college but deputy principal Martyn Wagner condemned their actions. He said: “We certainly don’t condone this behaviour and we hope our students were not involved. We are dreadfully sorry to hear about the accident and our thoughts are with those involved and their families.”

The incident happened just before 10.30am, when the silver people carrier careered across the pavement, through a low garden wall and into the front of Lund Court. The passenger, an elderly lady, is not thought to be seriously injured but was taken to West Suffolk Hospital.

The driver is believed to have suffered a medical episode, and despite residents in the flats rushing to his aid, was pronounced dead by paramedics.

Piotr Perz, who lives on the third floor of Lund Court, described what happened. He said: “I was laying on the sofa when I heard a really loud bang.

“I jumped up to look outside and saw the car and just rushed downstairs. I helped to pull him out and then the car caught fire.

“I ran inside and made sure everyone got out in case the fire caught. I know the man died; it is very sad. The lady was badly hurt.”

The fire service were initially called to reports of the car being on fire – however it was not alight on arrival.

The road between Spring Lane and Westley Road remained closed for several hours, but reopened yesterday afternoon. Firefighters were assessing the structure of the building yesterday to ensure it was not at danger of collapse.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101 quoting reference CAD 102 of March 21.