Chaos struck a Swindon supermarket yesterday afternoon, as a
multiple trolley pile-up left four people in hospital. The accident happened at 6:15pm in the
Gateway superstore in the Arndale centre. Although it is unclear yet as to how the accident
started it is believed that the heavy trolley traffic at this busy time is partly to blame.
Eye-witness accounts talk of people trying to push trolleys through the queues at the checkouts -
an unlawful procedure. It is believed that two such trolleys became entangled whilst going for a gap
which had developed. These trolleys then careered at high speed into a stationary queue of customers
with trolleys. "There was this almighty crash from somewhere near checkout 8 and hoards of groceries
and other goods flew into the air" said Mr Johnson Frixley, 22, a customer who was standing in the
"nine items or less" queue at the time. "Then came the screams" he continued.
One customer received abdominal injuries when they were crushed between their trolley and the
sweet display next to the checkout. The 'driver' of one of the trolleys suffered a sprained
wrist when his trolley crashed into the queue. A third customer received head injuries from
flying groceries; "Before I even knew what had happened a tin of tuna hit me on the side of
the head" said Mrs Jay Kay Shippam, 49.
A customer at checkout 3 received neck injuries as she turned round to see what was happening;
"I feel such a fool." said Mrs Penny Farthing, 29. "Please don't mention my name." she added.
