Tragic Crash in Willingham
A careless lorry driver left a young mother dead after failing to secure a crane properly on his vehicle. Kevin Miller, 71, was hauling scrap metal down Station Road, Willingham, when the unsecured grab crane struck 30-year-old Rebecca Ableman. She was pushing her two-year-old daughter in a pushchair at the time. The horrific incident happened around 11:15am on 22 September 2022. Rebecca was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but died almost a month later on 16 October.
Driver Flees Scene, Then Arrested
Shockingly, Miller didn’t stop after the accident. Instead, he drove on to a Network Rail site in March to unload the scrap metal. Police later arrested him at a depot in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. Investigators revealed Miller had not secured the crane and grab properly, allowing it to swing out and hit Rebecca. He only stopped near Earith Bridge to re-secure the equipment. 
Jailed for Causing Death by Careless Driving
On 14 April at Peterborough Crown Court, Miller pleaded guilty to causing death by careless and inconsiderate driving. He was jailed for 13 months and banned from driving for two years and six months.
“This was a shocking incident where an innocent young mum, killed because of Miller’s carelessness,” said DC Kev Drury. “Rebecca would be alive today if he had secured the crane properly.”
Family Pays Heartbreaking Tribute
Rebecca’s family described her as “the light within our family” and “the most amazing, strong, and loving mummy.” They remembered her as a beautiful partner, loving daughter, and friend who brought everyone together. “She was always the light at the darkest of times and will forever be her daughter’s superhero,” the family said.
