THE HEARTBROKEN family of a binman tragically killed when his lorry crashed into a house last night said they were “struggling to comprehend what has happened”.
Andzie “Stan” Stanik died in the horror smash in Leominster after the council truck seemingly lost control during a morning bin round.
Andzie ‘Stan’ Stanik died in a horror crash
The bin lorry crashed into a property on the junction of Bridge Street and Mill Street in LeominsterCredit: SWNS
His family said the dad-of-three had been “on the bins” in Herefordshire for 25 years and his “friendly face will be missed”.
Posting a tribute to Stan, in his 60s, the family said in a statement: “In complete disbelief and utter heartbreak, we can confirm that our Dad, Andzie “Stan” Stanik, was the passenger who tragically lost their life this morning in the lorry crash in Leominster.
“He enjoyed nothing more than a pint of at the pub in the village, long rambles with his beloved terrier Bella, cheering on Hereford FC at the weekend, and spending time with his children, Tilly, Alfie and Charlie.
“Dad was “on the bins” around the Herefordshire area for over 25 years so we know his friendly face will be missed. We are sorry to share this news with you all.
“None of us imagined that our most recent goodbye would be our final one; and that the simple, mundane moments we shared would suddenly become the ones we treasure the most.
“It feels surreal to wake up on an ordinary Tuesday and have someone taken from your life so suddenly and cruelly and as a family, we are struggling to comprehend what has happened.”
Stan was a passenger in the lorry at the time of the crash around 6.40am on Tuesday.
Despite the best efforts of medical teams, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver and another passenger were treated by paramedics before being rushed to hospital.
Their injuries are not believed to be threatening, West Mercia said.
Others also paid tribute to Stan.
Caroline Wheeler said: “I grew up on the same street as Andzie, he was always smiling just like in the photo. Sending condolences to all his family.”
Jamie Blandford said: “Very sad news. He caught me running down the drive with the wheelie bin in the nick of time on numerous occasions and always cracked a joke.”
Clive Edwards said: “I have known Stan for all of his time on the bins.
“When I heard the bin lorry accident my first thought was Stan and sadly it was him, my thoughts are with the family at this tragic time.”
Superintendent Helen Wain said: “Shortly after 6.40am emergency services responded to a report a bin lorry had collided with a building in Mill Street in Leominster.
“Three people were in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
“The driver and a second passenger were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital for treatment.
“Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The building was empty and no one else was injured.”
Police, fire and ambulance crews were scrambled to the incident, which caused significant damage to the building.
Supt Wain hailed the emergency crews involved and advised locals to avoid the area.
She added: “On behalf of all agencies, our thoughts and condolences are with those involved and families affected by the incident.”
Ambulance Service received reports of the crash at 6.45am this morning.
A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council also thanked first responders for their “swift response”.
Fire crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue services were also sent to the scene.
The tragic incident claimed the life of the much-loved dadCredit: SWNS
Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene of the crashCredit: SWNS 
