Boy in critical condition after lorry accident (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Boy in critical condition after lorry accident

12:36pm Tuesday 4th December 2007 in Local By Ben Ellery

A YOUNG boy is in a critical condition after an accident involving a lorry near his Basingstoke school yesterday.

The 11-year-old pupil, from Everest Community College, in Popley, who had been crossing Carpenters Down to catch a bus at around 3.30pm, suffered serious head injuries.

He was initially taken to Basingstoke hospital, but was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The road was closed for four hours.

Sergeant Paul Owens, from the Farnborough Roads Policing Unit, said: "This collision happened in a 30mph zone, in a busy suburban area.

"I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or who saw either the boy or the lorry prior to the collision, to contact me.

"I am especially keen to hear from anyone who was on the bus at the time."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Farnborough Roads Policing Unit, quoting Operation Kiwi, on 0845 045 4545.

The driver of the SCA Recycling lorry, a 39-year-old from Basingstoke, was arrested on suspicion of driving without due care and attention and bailed until January 21, 2008.