Dad dies a hero in coach tragedy

THE scene of Friday’s tragic accident

Son pushed out of way in band contest accident

BAND contest fun turned to horror when a dad died and his son was injured after they were run over by a coach.

Alan Chamberlain (57) was killed after the pair were dragged under the vehicle and trapped after being hit as they crossed Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, just before 10pm on Friday.

Eyewitnesses say the hero father had tried to push his boy out of the way only to be struck himself.

They were released and rushed to hospital but Mr Chamberlain had suffered serious injuries and died in the early hours of Saturday.

His eight-year-old son was left with bruising to his head and body and a broken tooth and was released on Saturday night when he was told about his father’s death.

Mr Chamberlain, originally from Greenfield but who moved to Hyde, is believed to have five sons, and three grandchildren, from two marriages.

The tragedy happened as the Saddleworth Whit Friday Band Contest was in full swing and was witnessed by dozens of people crowding the streets to enjoy the music.

An eyewitness said: “I was stood at the side with my husband and daughter and a band had just gone through.

The Selways coach followed them and was then stationary next to them and suddenly picked up speed and I saw these two people go under it.

“We stood there for a couple of minutes and then a young boy crawled out from near the front wheel and people were assisting him and he seemed OK.

“We could not do any more so we moved away from the scene. Everyone was chatting and having fun. The band that had just walked through had been so entertaining and then it all changed.

“The mood changed from having a really lovely time to this awful thing happening.”

Joe Buckley, secretary of the Greenfield Band Contest, said: “It seems like a terrible accident but will have to be investigated.

“I spoke to a police officer there who asked if he wanted us to cancel the contest. He thought if we could divert it down Chew Vale then they would get on with the work of doing the rescue rather than having 2,500 people leave the park, so that’s what we did.

“We carried on and played another 10 bands. That was just to try and keep people on the field and away from the rescue scene so the emergency services could do their job.

“It was such a perfect day weather-wise and everything was going fine and then we have something like that. We are totally distressed by it. It’s overshadowed everything.”

There were 23 arrests during the contests for drunk and disorderly, possession of drugs, affray and serious assault. The majority were in Uppermill.

A total of 70 police officers and 32 police community support officers covered the event.

Oldham Police Chief Supt Tim Forber said: “The Saddleworth Band Contest is a wonderful community event attended by thousands of visitors.

“I was extremely privileged to be able to visit most of the contests on Friday and experience the atmosphere myself. However, a small minority of people appeared to have come to the event intent of taking part in anti-social behaviour and causing trouble, which was fuelled by alcohol.

“The many officers on duty worked hard throughout the evening to ensure those who became involved in disorder were dealt with swiftly so the event remained an enjoyable one for the community.”

Parish Councillor Bill Cullen, organiser of Lees and Springhead contest, said: “The PCSOs that we had here controlling the junctions were absolutely fantastic but I do have a few niggles that I will be raising about the way that it was organised.”

Traffic police are appealing to any witnesses or anyone with video footage to call 0161-856 8473.