A MAN had to be cut free by firefighters after an 18-tonne lorry smashed into his car.

Geoff Sykes, 74, and his wife Carol were on their way to pick up their grandchildren from school when the accident happened at the junction of Oakes Road and Wellington Street in Oakes at 3.05pm on Tuesday.

Mr Sykes had been driving his Vauxhall Vectra along Oakes Road when the lorry heading up Wellington Street through give-way markings was in collision.

Mr Sykes’ car, rotated 90° as a result of the impact. Police and firefighters worked at the scene to cut him free.

Mr Sykes, of Quarmby, said: “The waggon came up Wellington Street and straight across the road, there were lines for him to stop at but it came from nowhere.”

“I couldn’t believe how quickly it happened, it hit us and then my wheels were torn off the car and we swerved.

“Carol could get out of the car, but they had to cut the roof off.”

Mr and Mrs Sykes were taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for treatment.

Mr Sykes has a neck injury, which he says needs physio, while his wife has bruising.