Young girls hit while crossing road
By MARK WORLEY
September 07, 2008 12:00am
A PAIR of 12-year-old girls are lucky to be alive after being hit by a car in central Hobart yesterday morning.
The girls were hit by a Holden Commodore as they ran across Macquarie St against a red light from Franklin Square.
Shopper Miles Pitman saw the incident unfold.
"It was like something from a Hollywood stunt scene -- the car hit the two of them simultaneously," Mr Pitman said.
"They started crossing Macquarie but the Elizabeth St traffic light went orange and they hesitated on the traffic island," he said.
"Next, I think they heard the pedestrian crossing sound from the bus mall and decided to make a run for it.
"The driver, who had a clear lane coming down Macquarie with the green light, never had a chance.
"She didn't see the girls and the girls didn't see her."
Both 12-year-olds lay
motionless while members of the public offered first aid.
Ambulance officers transported the girls to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
One girl was released yesterday afternoon.
Her friend remains under observation.
The 27-year-old woman driving the Commodore was not injured.
Constable Richard Keygan said with school holidays under way, the incident was a timely reminder about pedestrian road safety.
"This is a prime example of how disregarding the lights can cause personal injury," Constable Keygan said.
"Pedestrians need to realise that oncoming traffic may not be able to see them at times or realise their intentions."
Article from: The Sunday Tasmanian |