Schoolboy airlifted to hospital after accident in Weymouth (From Dorset Echo)

Schoolboy airlifted to hospital after accident in Weymouth

11:30am Saturday 4th February 2012 in News By Rachel Stretton

AN 11-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after he was knocked down on his way home from school.

The youngster, believed to be a pupil at Wey Valley School and Sports College, was hit as he got off the school bus just after 3.30pm yesterday, an onlooker said.

The accident happened on Dorchester Road, just outside Springrove Court, near St John’s Church.

Sergeant Joe Pardey of Dorset Police said: “A young lad was knocked over by a white van.

“He suffered head injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Dorset County Hospital.”

The youngster was later transferred to Southampton General Hospital due to the nature of his injuries.

Sgt Pardey added: “We think he ran out from behind the bus and was hit by the van.

“We have spoken to the driver, a man aged 56 from Yeovil, but we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

“However, we would ask anyone with information to contact us.”

The road was closed while police dealt with the incident.

Peter Bradley, of Dorchester Road, was walking his dog at the time of the accident.

He said: “It was really shocking.

“The lad ran out straight across the road. He was with another boy, and that one got across the road safely, but the other was hit by the van.”

Mr Bradley said an older boy phoned the emergency services while a woman administered first aid to the injured boy.

He added: “I’ve never seen anything like it before. For a few seconds, you’re just not sure what to do. It’s awful.”

Other residents along the road spoke out about the dangers of the road.

Noncel Herbert said: “I’m surprised this hasn’t happened before, and I’ve lived here for 11 years.

“People get off the bus and they don’t want to walk down to the zebra crossing, so they just run across the road.”

She added: “It’s awkward, because of the one-way system, the crossing is split. And the bushes make it difficult to see if cars are coming.

“We need a lollipop lady or something, to encourage children to use the crossing.”

And another resident, who did not wish to be named said: “I’ve got a daughter who gets off that bus stop every day. “It is a dangerous road.”