UK couple in horror crash face losing legs

Simon Huxtable, 44, and Deborah Dale, 34, were strolling through the picturesque Belgian city when they were hit by a car which pinned them against the wall of a house, police said.

The couple, from Witney, Oxfordshire, were walking across a T-junction when they were hit by a Mercedes.

The 22-year-old driver, who had been at a New Year’s Eve party, failed to stop at the junction and ploughed straight into the pair. Police believe he was driving over the 30kph (19mph) speed limit.

Inspector Philippe Dankrey said: “He drove a bit too fast and, as he had been drinking, he had too much alcohol in his blood. Then he hit the couple.

“They were squashed between the car and the front of the house. Neighbours heard the victims’ screaming and came out of their houses to help.”

He said Ms Dale suffered particularly bad injuries to both her legs.

“There is a possibility that they may both have to have either one or even both legs amputated,” he added.

The couple, who were staying at a local hotel, are being treated at St Jan’s hospital in Bruges. Ms Dale’s parents, Roger and Diana, are understood to have travelled to their daughter’s bedside.

The 22-year-old, who was arrested for drink-driving and causing injuries to two people, was said to be in shock following the crash. His driving licence was revoked for two weeks and he has been released from custody but will appear in court in the next couple of months.

A Catholic nun who witnessed the crash scene described finding “blood everywhere” and said she could “still hear” the couple’s cries of agony.

Sister Emmanuelle told the Daily Mail: “The people were screaming and screaming and shouting out in English. I tried to reassure them but I cannot speak English.

“There was blood everywhere. The lady’s legs were completely crushed.”