A YORK binman has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after an accident involving his own bin lorry.

North Yorkshire Police are investigating the accident, which happened on Friday, January 4, during a waste collection round in Rainsborough Way, near Water Lane, Clifton.

A force spokeswoman said officers were called at 11.28am to a report of a serious collision between a bin lorry and a man in his 50s from York.

“The man sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary, where he currently remains,” she said.

“Police inquiries are ongoing. The driver of the vehicle and City of York Council are supporting the investigation, to enable officers to determine the full circumstances around the incident.”

She added that the man had suffered serious leg injuries.

James Gilchrist, assistant director for transport, highways and environment at the council, said it was investigating an incident which happened on January 4 and involved one of the authority’s bin lorries.

“Sadly one of our colleagues was taken by air ambulance to hospital,” he said.

“Our primary concern is of the welfare of our colleague in hospital and their recovery.

“We continue to provide support to everyone involved, including the family, who have asked for their privacy to be respected.

“We are supporting the police investigation into this incident, in addition to our own investigation.”

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokeswoman said it was called at 11.25am to a collision between a lorry and a pedestrian and sent an ambulance, two rapid response vehicles, a doctor and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to the scene.

She added that the helicopter transported a male patient to Leeds General Infirmary.