A woman in her 40s has been left with life-changing injuries after being hit by a bus while crossing Padmore Street in Worcester on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
The horrific collision occurred around 6:30 pm, prompting an immediate emergency response and a subsequent police investigation.
Incident Details
According to West Mercia Police, the woman was crossing the road when a bus struck her, resulting in severe injuries. Witnesses at the scene described the crash as a “horrifying moment,” with the victim thrown to the ground before emergency services arrived.
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they dispatched:
- An ambulance
- A paramedic officer
- The Midland Air Ambulance critical care car from Strensham
A spokesperson from the ambulance service said:
“On arrival, crews found a woman who they treated for serious injuries before conveying her under blue light, emergency driving conditions to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.”
Arrest and Police Investigation
A 62-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police stated:
“The driver was taken into custody and questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving while under the influence. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.”
The police are now appealing for witnesses and any dashcam footage that could assist their ongoing investigation.
PC Ross Williams, leading the case, emphasized the importance of public cooperation:
“We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area around Padmore Street between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm on February 14 to contact us immediately. Even the smallest detail could help us understand what led to this tragic event.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ross Williams at 01562 743826 or via email at [email protected].
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked concerns about pedestrian safety along Padmore Street, a busy route frequently used by both vehicles and pedestrians.
Local resident Sarah McKenzie, 34, who witnessed the aftermath, said:
“It’s horrifying to think that something like this can happen so close to home. Padmore Street has always been busy, but this incident highlights the urgent need for better traffic control measures.”
Appeal for Information
- Witnesses who haven’t already spoken to the police are encouraged to come forward.
- Dashcam footage from vehicles in the area could be crucial to piecing together the events leading to the collision.
- Contact West Mercia Police at 01562 743826 or [email protected] quoting incident reference number.
As the victim recovers from her life-altering injuries, the community hopes the police investigation will lead to accountability and improvements in road safety.
