Boy, 5, in critical condition after crash in Wandsworth Post Reply

[Community Editor]

A young boy is in a critical condition in hospital after a crash with a car while riding a child’s scooter in Wandsworth.

Police were called just before 4pm yesterday (May 24) to reports of a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Herondale Avenue.

A five-year-old boy - who was riding a child’s scooter - was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition.

His parents are with him in hospital.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is helping police with their investigation.

Emergency services attended the scene.

There have been no arrests.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or drivers with dash cam footage of the incident.

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8543 5157, or call 101 quoting CAD 4661/24May.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses after a child was seriously injured in a collision in Wandsworth.

“Police were called at 15:58hrs on Tuesday, 24 May to reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in Herondale Avenue, SW18.

“Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service.

“A five-year-old boy, who was riding a child's scooter, was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. His parents are with him.

“The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is helping police with their enquiries.

 “There have been no arrests.

“Detectives from the Met's Roads & Transport Policing Command are investigating and would like to hear from any witnesses or drivers with dash cam footage of the incident.

“Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8543 5157.

“Alternatively, call 101 quoting CAD 4661/24May.”

Story from Wandsworth Times: https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/ne ... andsworth/

[Pomegranate]

So sad to read a post like this. Wishing the little boy well. 

[Bunnypigeon1]

When my little ones are zooming around on their scooters it does cross my mind how easily it could go wrong. I really hope the little one pulls through and, if the driver wasn’t at fault, I hope they are also ok.

[Denwand]

Can someone clarify please?
My first thought on hearing about the accident was "how horrific - a child terribly injured by someone speeding(?) along Herondale Avenue".
But I have heard a rumour that the child was scooting along the pavement and hit (was hit) by someone reversing out of their drive.
This doesn't alter the facts and reversing out of your drive (especially on a sloping road where small children are likely to be going quite fast down the incline and be oblivious at a young age to the possibilities that a car could reverse out on them) means extra vigilance on the part of the driver.
I also ask this because I live on a hill too and have seen how it's dangerous entering / leaving your drive with small children cycling/scootering or even running or walking past. Therefore my husband and I always reverse IN to my drive which gives me maximum view of the pavement when visibility is limited by having to look backwards. That allows me to drive out (very cautiously) forward giving me much more of a clear view of any hazards.

I don't want to moralise and we all make mistakes  but if we could all make sure we reverse into our drives and drive out forward it will make it safer for everyone - thanks..and  again my deepest hopes that this child makes a full recovery soon.

[SydneyMummy]

I wish the little lad and his family well and hoping he has a very speedy and full recovery.

Denwand is so right - it's important to always try to reverse into a parking spot so that when exiting you drive out facing the road and therefore have a much better chance of seeing oncoming traffic and, more importantly, children whizzing about. The consequences of hitting a child don't bear thinking about.

[Heavens to Betsy]

The little boy who is my neighbour, is out of an induced coma and responding to his surroundings and family thankfully.  He is making progress and may leave ICU soon.  

Salutary reminder to ALWAYS exercise extreme caution when leaving driveways and enclosed spaces!  The sensors on most cars warn you, but not everyone has these sensors of course.

 

[SydneyMummy]

Heavens to Betsy I am so very glad to hear he's out of the coma and responding to his surroundings and family. His family must be so relieved. Thank you for the update. I hope he gets to go home soon.

[readysteadycook]

Can someone clarify please?
My first thought on hearing about the accident was "how horrific - a child terribly injured by someone speeding(?) along Herondale Avenue".
But I have heard a rumour that the child was scooting along the pavement and hit (was hit) by someone reversing out of their drive.
This doesn't alter the facts and reversing out of your drive (especially on a sloping road where small children are likely to be going quite fast down the incline and be oblivious at a young age to the possibilities that a car could reverse out on them) means extra vigilance on the part of the driver.
I also ask this because I live on a hill too and have seen how it's dangerous entering / leaving your drive with small children cycling/scootering or even running or walking past. Therefore my husband and I always reverse IN to my drive which gives me maximum view of the pavement when visibility is limited by having to look backwards. That allows me to drive out (very cautiously) forward giving me much more of a clear view of any hazards.

I don't want to moralise and we all make mistakes  but if we could all make sure we reverse into our drives and drive out forward it will make it safer for everyone - thanks..and  again my deepest hopes that this child makes a full recovery soon.

I think you might find that this accident happened with the car reversing onto the drive, not off it - I feel its always worth understanding the facts before posting 'top tips'.

Both driveway manoeuvres are equally as dangerous when on a tree lined road (affecting a drivers views), when there are many children using the pavements on scooters and bikes, especially with a hill where they will get speed up.

Great news the recovery is happening, let hope there aren't any/many long term effects. 

[SydneyMummy]

Heavens to Betsy I am so very glad to hear he's out of the coma and responding to his surroundings and family. His family must be so relieved. Thank you for the update. I hope he gets to go home soon.

[MamaK]

Praying for a full recovery for the little guy. Has someone arranged meals for the family? Anything else we can pull together for them?

[SydneyMummy]

The main thing is that the little fellow is on the mend. ‍

However, I’ve been taught that reversing on to a drive/into a space and driving out is safer. In fact, where I currently live, that is a road rule. And I have to agree that it is the case that it’s generally safer and not that both manoeuvres are equally dangerous, especially on a tree-lined road[media][/media].

[London2022]

I just wondered if there was any news on this little boy and also if any charges were brought against the driver ?

[Heavens to Betsy]

He is doing really well apparently, and despite the severity of the accident and his injuries, has made a miraculous recovery.  Some slight vision issues but Doctors hope they will correct themselves.  He is expected to start school as planned in September.   

Three cheers for our amazing NHS as usual !