A tragic crash in Willingham has claimed the life of a young mother after a careless lorry driver failed to secure a crane properly on his vehicle. Kevin Miller, aged 71, was transporting scrap metal down Station Road, Willingham, when the unsecured grab crane swung out and struck 30-year-old Rebecca Ableman. At the time, Rebecca was pushing her two-year-old daughter in a pushchair.
The horrific incident occurred around 11:15 am on 22 September 2022. Rebecca was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but sadly passed away almost a month later, on 16 October.
Shockingly, Miller did not stop after the accident. Instead, he continued driving to a Network Rail site in March to unload the scrap metal. Police later arrested him at a depot in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
Investigators found that Miller had failed to secure the crane and grab properly, which allowed the equipment to swing out and hit Rebecca. He only stopped near Earith Bridge to re-secure the crane.
On 14 April, at Peterborough Crown Court, Miller pleaded guilty to causing death by careless and inconsiderate driving. He was sentenced to 13 months in jail and received a driving ban for two years and six months.
Detective Constable Kev Drury said, “This was a shocking incident where an innocent young mum, killed because of Miller’s carelessness. Rebecca would be alive today if he had secured the crane properly.”
Rebecca’s family paid a heartbreaking tribute, describing her as “the light within our family” and “the most amazing, strong, and loving mummy.” They remembered her as a beautiful partner, loving daughter, and friend who brought everyone together. “She was always the light at the darkest of times and will forever be her daughter’s superhero,” the family said.
Originally published by UKNIP.
