Lorry driver who caused six-vehicle crash on A14 in Northamptonshire banned from the roads for a year

Five vehicles were damaged after a lorry driver failed to notice traffic was stationary on the A14 in Northamptonshire

Lubomir Hruza, aged 61, crashed his vehicle into the back of a car after he failed to notice that traffic on the A14 near the junction of the M1 was stationary. The initial crash caused four other vehicles to collide.

Northampton Magistrates’ Court heard Hruza claimed he had been looking in his wing mirror shortly before the accident and did not have enough time to slow down.

Hruza, who has worked as a lorry driver for 40 years without picking up a driving conviction, said he was travelling at 45mph, but witnesses estimated he was travelling above 50mph.

As a result of the crash, which happed at about 9am on February 25, a man suffered a fractured spine, 10 broken ribs and a bleed to the brain.

Another man suffered a broken shoulder and fractured vertebrae.

Hruza, of Penrhyn Close, Corby, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

District Judge Tim Daber said he believed it had been more than a case of “momentary inattention.”

Hruza was fined £570. He must also pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £57. He was banned from driving for a year.