AN IRISHMAN is in a critical condition in hospital after he was hit by a HGV on the M6, as a second Irishman was arrested by police.
The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday morning, June 29, near Keele Services between Junction 15 and 16 on the M6 southbound.
The two Irishmen are believed to have been walking along the motorway at the time of the incident.
Just after 4.15am the Irishman was in collision with a lorry near to Stafford services.
Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a BASICS doctor West Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene.
He had life threatening injuries and was taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to find the patient, a man believed to be in his 20s, lying on the hard shoulder following the collision.
“He had suffered multiple serious injuries and was suffering from a reduced level of consciousness. The man received specialist trauma care at the scene before being anaesthetised in order to stabilise his condition.
Keene Services close to where the incident happened. (Picture: Maps)“He was then transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital on blue lights and sirens for further emergency treatment.”
The second Irishman, a 32 year old from Co. Wicklow believed to have been with the injured man before the collision, was arrested at the scene for criminal damage.
The 32 year old has now been released without charge.
A witness who was passing through at the time told The Sentinel he spotted pedestrians on the motorway.
He said: “I rang the police and the Highways Agency because I saw the two pedestrians on the motorway.
“Both of them were on the hard shoulder and ran into the road. I ended up going onto the hard shoulder.
“I thought it was an accident waiting to happen. I hope it doesn't turn out to be fatal."
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs have said they are aware of the case and stand ready to provide consular assistance if requested.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing and officers are appealing for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision.
