Taxi driver crushed to death by his own car

Anthony Carlin, 74, was rushed to hospital after climbing out of his Skoda Octavia to close the gate outside his home – only for the vehicle to roll back and trap him against it.

He was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where he was admitted to the intensive care unit and put on a ventilator following the accident on Wednesday night. He later lost his fight for life. The accident took place at Mr Carlin’s home in Dundee’s Kirkton Avenue at about 10pm.

The pensioner had worked for city cab firm Tele Taxis for nearly 40 years.

Graeme Stephen, chairman of the Dundee Taxi Association, led tributes to him yesterday saying: “I heard about it yesterday when somebody on the rank said he unfortunately hadn’t made it.

“It’s a really sad time for the taxi trade, a real tragic accident, especially at this time of year.”

It is believed that Mr Carlin’s handbrake was not fully engaged when he got out of his car.

Neighbours said the taxi driver was a “really nice guy”.

Rod White, 68, said: “It’s tragic. I used to see him passing and he never missed you, he always said hello.

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“I usually see his wife walking by and she always gives you a smile. They are a really nice couple. It’s a real shame.”

Gary Wilson, who lives near the couple, reported seeing ambulances, fire crews and police at the scene.

He said: “I was putting my daughter to her bed when I noticed the flashing lights.

“It was right at the corner where an older couple live.

“The gentleman who lives there has a taxi. My youngest son said he saw a fireman trying to do what looked like CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] as he was pushing at somebody who was on the ground.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I just saw the ambulance and a fireman pushing the car.

“I think the taxi driver who lives there slipped under his car. He’s an elderly gentleman, but is still working.

“About five police cars were there and officers were taking photos and everything until 1am. Then they took his taxi away.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “It is believed that the handbrake of his car had not been applied correctly, and when he proceeded to close his driveway gate, the vehicle rolled back.”

Douglas Inglis, director of Tele Taxis, said he was “devastated”.

He said: “He has worked as a taxi driver and for the company for close to 40 years.

“I can’t believe what has happened.”

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