Heartbreaking Bus Crash Leaves 10-Year-Old Boy Seriously Injured in Folkestone
A frantic fundraiser is underway to support the family of Harrison Sahlah, a 10-year-old boy left fighting for his life after being hit by a bus on Sandgate Esplanade near Folkestone.
Tragic Scene on Sandgate Esplanade
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 6:15 PM on Saturday, with about eight police cars, a fire engine, paramedics, and an air ambulance mobilised. Harrison was airlifted to King’s College Hospital in London following what witnesses describe as a “horrifying” incident.
Speaking from the hospital, Harrison’s mother, Kelly Sahlah, revealed that her son may have been struck in the head by the bus as he knelt on the kerb tying his shoe.
“He only has a brain injury and head and facial injuries, with no other injuries or even bruises or scrapes to the rest of his body,” Ms Sahlah said. “He has a significant head injury and until he wakes up, we won’t know the full extent of his brain injury.”
Community Rallies with Fundraiser
A family friend quickly set up a GoFundMe page that has already raised over £2,000 to help Harrison’s family through this devastating time.
Stagecoach, the bus company involved, confirmed a route 102 bus travelling towards Folkestone was part of the collision. A spokesperson said:
“All our thoughts and well wishes are with the boy and his family. This is a horrifying incident for everyone involved, and we are fully supporting the police investigation.”
Ongoing Police Investigation and Previous Tragedy Nearby
Kent Police launched an investigation into the crash which forced road closures along Sandgate Esplanade to allow emergency crews access. The air ambulance landed on the beach amid dozens of concerned onlookers.
Tragically, this accident occurred just yards from where seven-year-old William Brown was killed in a hit-and-run crash last December. The community remains in shock as locals rally around the Sahlah family, praying for Harrison’s recovery and supporting the ongoing fundraiser.
“Kent Police was called to a report of a collision involving a bus and a pedestrian at 6:20 PM on June 29. Officers and medical teams attended immediately, and the boy was flown to a London hospital,” confirmed a police spokesperson.
Kelly Sahlah thanked everyone who helped at the scene, including an off-duty paramedic who administered CPR to her son.
The community’s hope now lies with young Harrison fighting to pull through this shattering ordeal.
