Driver arrested after two killed outside hospital
TWO women were killed when a car ploughed into pedestrians outside a busy hospital yesterday afternoon.
An 89-year-old man, thought to be the driver of the car, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving outside Withington Community Hospital in south Manchester.
The women in their 80s were pinned against a wall when a green Ford Focus veered out of control and hit them as they stood waiting on a walkway next to the car park.
Witnesses claimed the vehicle was doing a U-turn when it crashed into bollards and lamp posts before hitting the group of people, some of whom were waiting for appointments.
Paramedics and ambulance crews took the two victims to the larger Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary but they died later.
A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said there were no reports of any other casualties.
A witness said: “There must have been up to 20 emergency vehicles at the scene.
“The two women were getting CPR and it was clear that the car had damaged lamp posts and barriers. It was a terrible sight.”
Forensic police officers examined the car, which was in the “ambulance only” area. At least two of its tyres were allegedly burst and damage to rear panels was also visible.
A number of barriers and lamp posts were damaged along with two bollards near a pay station machine. There was debris scattered around the scene.
Greater Manchester Police described the incident as “very serious”.
Sergeant Lee Westhead, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts go out to anyone affected by this tragic incident.
“We are in the very early stages of the investigation. I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw the vehicle beforehand, to contact my team as soon as possible.”