Woman dies after being hit by cement mixer

Jan 23 2009 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

A WOMAN was killed when she was hit by a cement mixer on a busy city centre crossing.

The 32-year-old pedestrian died in hospital after she was crushed by the wagon in Sunderland.The incident happened at around 12.30pm, on Wednesday in Chester Road, near the junction with Green Terrace. The woman was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital. But she died of her injuries at around 10.20pm.

Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. People in the area at the time of the accident told how they saw police and paramedics attending to the victim.

John Sinclair, who runs Habit hair and beauty salon, in Green Terrace, was having lunch in a nearby pub at the time of the accident.

He said he was shocked to learn that the woman had died. Mr Sinclair said: “There were two police cars and an ambulance. The police had part of the road cordoned off and the cement mixer was on the slip road. It was a big six-wheeler.

“There were traffic problems because it is a very busy crossing. I have just heard that she died.” Barmaid Natalie Boldon, 21, who works in the Fitzgerald’s pub, which overlooks the road, said: “I saw that the cement mixer was there for quite a while. There were a couple of policemen and a police van.”

And another barmaid from the pub said: “I just saw the big wagon there some customers told us there had been an accident.”

The accident happened at a busy traffic-light controlled junction between Sunderland University, The Bridges Shopping Centre and the Travelodge Hotel.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “The 32-year-old woman who was hit by a cement mixer in Sunderland has died from her injuries at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The woman has not been identified at this time and police inquiries into the incident are continuing.” Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision.

A spokesman added: “Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision and are especially keen to speak to the drivers of two cars who they believe were directly in front of the cement mixer just before the incident.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police in 0345 604-3043 ext: 66331.