Game of chicken ends in hospital

AT THE MOMENT, THE FOCUS IS ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PEDESTRIAN … THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF HIM PLAYING IN THE TRAFFIC EARLIER.

A TEEN was fighting for his life after being hit by a car while playing chicken on a busy Bowen road.

The 19- year- old Bowen man was hit in Leichhardt St, near the intersection of Poole St, about 8.50pm on Monday.

Early police investigations suggest he had been dodging cars along Leichhardt St, before stepping out of the path of one car, only to be hit by a southbound car.

The impact sent the teenager through the windscreen of the Holden Commodore, leaving him with serious head and leg injuries.

He was rushed to Bowen Hospital in a critical condition before being flown to Townsville Hospital, where he remained in an induced coma last night.

The driver of the Holden Commodore was not injured and the Mackay Forensic Crash Unit have ruled out speed as a factor in the incident.

Police ruled out alcohol as being a contributing factor for the driver after she blew zero on a breath test.

Inspector Steve O’Connell said the investigation into the crash surrounded the actions of the injured teenager.

“Initial reports indicate that he may have been dodging around traffic on the roadway

INSPECTOR STEVE O’CONNELL

and has jumped out of the way of one car, to be struck by another car travelling in the opposite direction,” Insp O’Connell said.

“He was hit by a Holden Commodore, driven by a 40year- old woman from Bowen.

“At the moment, the focus is on the activities of the pedestrian … there have been reports of him playing in the traffic earlier.

“We are also investigating whether any alcohol or other substances were involved in the incident.

“The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident and he is in a critical condition.”

Police are asking anyone with dashcam footage or if they saw people ducking in and out of traffic in Leichhardt St on Monday night to contact police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.