I'm lucky to be alive, says cyclist who lost his leg in lorry crash
A South London cyclist who lost his leg in a road accident has warned others about the dangers of travelling by bike in the capital.
Olimpo Galarraga, 53, was crushed between a bus and a lorry in Brixton Road, Oval, in February.
He suffered a smashed pelvis and doctors were forced to amputate his left leg below the knee.
The cleaner and father of four was cycling to work at 7.30am when the accident occurred. Mr Galarraga said he had been cycling "very slowly" when his front wheel was clipped, causing him to fall from his bicycle.
He said: "The tanker went over my leg and I felt a huge pain. I was conscious and could feel it. I just feel so lucky to be alive and would warn all cyclists to be very careful."
Mr Galarraga, who is originally from Ecuador, spent six months in hospital recovering from his injuries and was only released on August 1.
He is now forced to use a wheelchair or crutches to get around and wears a prosthetic leg. He has hired a solicitor to see whether he is eligible for compensation.
He told South London Press: "There is no way I can properly work again with this injury now." Mr Galarraga, who lives in Stockwell, is in discussions with Lambeth council to move flats because his first-floor home has no lift.
A spokesman for Lambeth said he had been authorised to receive a council home.