A MAN was seriously hurt early this morning (Monday) after his 7.5-tonne Royal Mail lorry crashed into a tree on the A236 Old Town, near Roman Way.
Crews from Croydon fire station arrived at the scene at 3.55am and worked for more than an hour and a half to free the 39-year-old driver from his wrecked cab.
He was conscious and breathing, and a medical team of doctors and paramedics kept him stable and gave him oxygen and pain relief.
A spokesman for London Ambulance Service said the driver was released at about 5.30am and rushed to St Geoge's Hospital in Tooting as a priority, with 'significant' injuries to his legs.
Daniel Foster, crew manager of red watch at Croydon Fire Station, said: "The gentleman driving the lorry was severely trapped in the cab by his legs.
"We had two engines and a specialist unit working to free him."
Royal Mail spokesman Heulyn Gwyn Davies said: "We can confirm that one of our vehicles was involved in an accident on the A236 this morning.
"The driver sustained some injuries and is currently in hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery."
The A236 was closed until about 10am as emergency services worked to clear away debris from the crash.
Trams were suspended between East Croydon and Reeves Corner and Church Street, and heavy traffic jams were reported on the A236 Roman Way and Southbridge Road, the A232 Flyover and Duppas Hill Road, and the A212 Lower Coombe Road and Wellesley Road.
Hope he recovers quickly. Get well soon mate.