THE family of an 80-year-old great- grandmother who died in an horrific accident involving a 32-tonne truck have called it a "tragic loss of life".

Jenny Clarkson, who lived at the Springbrook House sheltered housing complex in Canal Street, Clayton-le-Moors, was crossing the road at the lights at the junction of Whalley Road and Blackburn Road on Tuesday afternoon when she was in collision with the tipper wagon turning left towards Rishton.

She was rushed to the Royal Blackburn Hospital with severe leg injuries shortly after 4pm, but died following emergency surgery.

Mrs Clarkson, who was divorced from her late husband Bernard, leaves a daughter Ann, two grown-up grandchildren and four great-grandchildren aged 12, 11, nine and seven months, plus a large extended family.

In a joint statement the family, who are from the Hyndburn area, said: "She was a loving and generous lady and will be sadly missed."

The truck driver, a 44-year-old man from the Burnley area, was unhurt but suffered severe shock.

An air ambulance was called but Mrs Clarkson’s injuries were considered too severe to risk moving her into the helicopter.

Sergeant Pete Sculpher of the road policing unit said: "The road was closed for almost three hours and an air ambulance was called because of her serious injuries but authorities decided to move her in the road ambulance.

"There were several witnesses, both pedestrians and motorists, who came forward but if there is anybody else who has information we encourage them to contact us."

The road closure caused rush-hour chaos on Whalley Road, with traffic queues tailing back as far as Eastgate in Accrington town centre.

Concerns have been raised about the design of the junction, which is one of the busiest in Hyndburn and a reputed accident blackspot.

One resident, Linda Whit-eley, said: "It’s a busy road with lots of wagons. I’ve seen the wagon out there. The accident scene really does look bad."

Another, Geraldine Dawson, added: "You’ve got to cross in three stages and you have to have all your wits about you. You just take your chances."

Local councillor Janet Storey said the residents of Springbrook House were a very close community.

She said: "It will have affected a lot of them badly. It will be like a family loss."

Witnesses have been encouraged to contact the police on 353210 or 51212.

Springbrook House manager Sandra Hynes said: "It’s a terrible shock to all of us. She was a very nice lady and would do anything for anyone. She was also very close to all her family.

"She came to all our scheduled activities and events such as coffee mornings and parties. She was quite spirited for someone of her age.

"She was also very active, going out and about at least three or four times a day.

"The mood around Springbrook is quite sombre at the moment. In a place like this we expect residents to pass on but certainly not like this and in such a horrific way."