A German lorry driver died in an horrific crash on Lostwithiel hill yesterday morning, when he lost control of the vehicle as it careered down the steep gradient at 7.40am.

Laden with 25 tonnes of china clay, the 40 tonne lorry turned over on to its side before narrowly missing Restormel Lodge Hotel, and sliding into the two adjacent cottages, where it came to rest, the cab alongside the Launderette. One of the cottages was partially demolished, and waiter Sean Thompson, upstairs asleep at the time, is counting his blessings after a miraculous escape.

Shocked residents were on the scene within seconds of the crash, but it was immediately apparent that nothing could be done. It was 9.30am before the driver was located amongst the wreckage by firemen and some time later before the body could be removed. It also took the emergency services at least two hours before they could ascertain that no other person was beneath the vehicle.

This was the third almost identical accident involving clay carrying lorries in 13 years, the last one being in 1990 and the first in 1987. However, this is the only accident to involve a fatality. With the help of Cormac from Cornwall County Council, the A390 road between Pelyn Barn Veterinary Surgery to the West, and Dobwalls to the East was closed throughout the day with diversions in place, and long tailbacks forming along the A38.

Fire Divisional Officer Ted Simpson (Bodmin) said: 'Our main priority has been working to locate the driver, using crash rescue equipment, and to search for other possible casualties'.

There were four fire appliances in attendance with firefighters from Lostwithiel, St Austell and Bodmin.

Police Incident Cmdr, Acting Inspector George Evens (Bodmin), said it looked as if the lorry had gone out of control and unable to go around the left hand bend at the bottom of the hill had veered across to the offside.