Mother killed by lorry driver who failed to secure crane

A lorry driver caused the death of a mother pushing her child in a pram by failing to secure a crane properly on a lorry he was driving.

Kevin Miller, 71, was driving a lorry of scrap metal in Station Road, Willingham, at about 11.15am on 22 September 2022, when the log grab crane struck 30-year-old Rebecca Ableman. 

Miss Ableman, from Willingham, who was walking her two-year-old daughter in a pushchair on the pavement, was left seriously injured and died at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, on 16 October 2022.

Pictured: Kevin Miller, 71. 

Her daughter was uninjured.

Miller, who had picked up the scrap metal using the crane in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, didn’t stop and continued to a Network Rail site in March, where the metal was unloaded. 

He was arrested at about 2pm at a depot in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

Pictured: The moments before the collision. 

An investigation found Miller had failed to secure the crane and grab whilst in transit and because it hadn't been secured, it moved from its transport position and hung over the side of the trailer.

He did eventually stop near Earith Bridge to check the load and re-secure the grabber crane.

On Tuesday (14 April), at Peterborough Crown Court, Miller, of Gayton Road, Bawsey, near King’s Lynn, was jailed for 13 months, having pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving.

Pictured: The lorry driving in Willingham after the collision with the grab crane overhanging. 

He was also banned from driving for two years and six months.

DC Kev Drury, who investigated, said: “This was a shocking incident where an innocent young mum, who was walking with her daughter following a visit to a farm shop, was killed because of Miller’s carelessness in not securing the crane properly.

“I hope this case serves as a reminder to all professional drivers to make sure their loads and equipment are fully secured. Rebecca would be alive today had Miller done this.

Pictured: The lorry driving in Willingham after the collision. 

“I would also like to thank the passers-by who went to help Rebecca in the aftermath of the collision despite the traumatic scene.

“My thoughts continue to be with her family and friends as they continue to grieve.”

Rebecca’s family released the below tribute following her death: “Becky was the light within our family. A beautiful partner, an aspiring sister and a precious daughter.

"The friend that brought everyone together and the colleague who helped so many who needed her. She was the most loving, caring and supportive partner you could ever wish for, she was always the light at the darkest of times. 

“But most of all, she was the most amazing, strong, and loving mummy to her two-year-old daughter.

Pictured: Rebecca Ableman. 

“Becky’s independence, kindness, determination, and beauty will live on through her forever. She will always be her daughter’s superhero. We cherish every moment and memory we had together.”