Battle for life after bike hit

A WOMAN is fighting for her life after she was hit by a firefighter riding his bicycle to work on a popular Townsville pathway.

The woman, 67, and her female friend were walking along a path under the Nathan St bridge when she was hit by a 56- year- old Cranbrook man riding a bicycle about 6.30am on Saturday.

District duty officer Senior Sergeant Joe Matheson said the man was a firefighter on his way to work.

He said the woman knocked backwards and her head on the concrete.

“The victim has undergone surgery for a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain,” he said.

“She is in a stable condition.”

Four days earlier, the victim and her dog were attacked by another dog in the same area.

On Tuesday at 6.30am, the woman was bitten by a large dog and her small dog was severely injured in an attack near Rossiter Park.

It’s understood the dog is still in the care of James Cook University vets.

A group of women from the serious was hit but NQ Phoenix Dragon Boat Club witnessed Saturday’s accident as they were moving one of their boats on to the Ross River.

A club spokeswoman said among the group were two nurses who gave the woman first aid, comforting her, her friend and the firefighter until paramedics arrived.

“The group have seen the lady be knocked down,” she said.

“It was very distressing but I’m really proud of the team.

“Our whole club is praying for her and her family.”

The victim was rushed to Townsville Hospital and yesterday was in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

The woman’s friend was treated for shock at the scene and taken home by police.

The firefighter was treated for shock and attended work but was home.

“It’s just a tragic incident at this stage,” Sen- Sgt Matheson said.

“An inspection has been made of the bicycle to check it is roadworthy.

“We can’t speculate yet as to who may be at fault.”

The woman’s family was too distressed to speak to the Bulletin yesterday but wanted to thank for those who rushed to help.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash. also later sent