Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Teams send best wishes to woman hurt near ground
A pensioner left seriously injured after she was hit by a car outside Kent’s cricket ground has been sent a message of support by the county team and their Australian opponents.
The 71-year-old woman was rushed to hospital after she was knocked down by a Mercedes in the Sainsbury’s car park on Saturday afternoon.
Play between Kent and the Aussies was almost suspended after it was thought an air ambulance would need to land on the outfield at the St Lawrence Ground in Old Dover Road.
But the woman, who suffered serious head, leg, arm and pelvic injuries, was instead taken to London’s King’s College Hospital by road, where she remains in a serious condition.
Players from both sides have sent a signed card wishing her a quick recovery.
The drama unfolded as the four-day match was nearing tea at about 4.50pm, with the story making the news Down Under.
The stadium announcer interrupted play to say the game might have to be suspended so a helicopter could land on the pitch.
It later emerged a Mercedes C220 saloon car had struck the elderly woman and collided with as many as five parked cars.
Two ambulance cars and two ambulances were sent to the scene, where onlookers were helping the injured woman.
Police are appealing for witnesses but say no arrests have been made and the driver is helping officers with the investigation.
Sgt Glyn Walker, from the force’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “A number of people spoke with police at the time, but any witnesses who saw this incident and have not yet spoken to police are asked to contact our witness appeal line on 01622 798538.
“We would particularly like to thank those members of the public who tried to help the lady before the arrival of the ambulance service.
“The incident did present difficulties for those trying to leave the Kent vs Australia cricket game, and the patience of the public was appreciated by officers managing the scene.”