Fatal crash near Evesham survivor has catastrophic injuries

Rob Payne was a front-seat passenger in his best friend's car when they were in collision with another car on the A44 Pitchers Hill, near Evesham.

His friend, a father-of-two, died in the crash as their Mini was struck at around 8.30pm on Thursday, August 10. The fatal crash near Evesham left the survivor with catastrophic injuries.

PAINFUL: Rob Payne suffered serious injuries including to his left ankle which he said had been 'destroyed' in the crash on the A44 at Pitchers Hill (Image: Supplied by Rob Payne)

Mr Payne, who was the best man at his late friend's wedding, has spoken of his shock at the loss of the man he knew for 18 years.

"What a great guy he was. He was so loving and kind. He was a great dad. He was loved by all his family, a great son and husband. He was one of my best friends. He will be missed," said Mr Payne.

He did not want to name his friend out of respect for his grieving family and their need for privacy.  

We have previously reported how multiple vehicles were involved in the crash on the A44 and a man died at the scene.

The 34-year-old, speaking about his ordeal from his bed in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, wants to highlight the high standard of care he has received.

TOUGH: Rob Payne is recovering in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham (Image: Supplied by Rob Payne)

Mr Payne of Evesham has had both hips and his ankle reconstructed in surgery at the QE where he is expected to remain for at least the next two weeks.

He said: "I'm lucky to be alive and the doctor said I was lucky to be here. The care in both hospitals (Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham) has been amazing. I genuinely can't thank the staff enough. They have been so attentive."

Mr Payne, who works for a property management company, also praised the emergency services for being on the scene 'almost immediately'. He said his iPhone automatically dialled 999 and also alerted his emergency contact, a feature he described as 'amazing' and 'incredible'.

RECOVERY: Rob Payne is battling back to fitness after suffering major injuries in the crash near Evesham (Image: Supplied by Rob Payne)

Of the crash, he said: "It's awful. Two children have lost their dad. It affects everybody. I'm going to be affected for the rest of my life. The guy who was driving the other car will be affected for the rest of his life."

READ MORE: Man assaulted after A44 at Pitchers Hill near Wickhamford

To reconstruct his right hip involved nine hours of surgery and the left hip a further nine and a half hours after the operations were 'more complicated than expected'.

He said his left ankle had been completely destroyed in the crash and he had lost 4kg since the accident although a dietitian told him he is making good progress considering his injuries. 

Even before the surgery was performed at the QE, traction was used at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to pull his hips back into place as they had been not only shattered but dislocated.

He also suffered four broken ribs on his right-hand side and a broken sternum. He has been told his reconstructed hips will not be able to bear any weight for three months.

Until this recovery period is over he expects he will be wheelchair-bound.

The driver of the other car had got out of the vehicle when ambulance crews arrived.

He was treated for potentially serious injuries at the scene before being taken to ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

A female driver of a third car was treated for injuries not believed to be serious and was taken to the Royal for further treatment.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “The exact circumstances around the collision are currently being investigated and a 47-year-old man is assisting with our enquiries.”