89-year-old arrested as two women die in crash
CAR HITS PEDESTRIANS OUTSIDE HOSPITAL
TWO women died after a car hit a group of people outside Withington Community Hospital.
A Ford Focus struck several pedestrians outside the hospital shortly after 2pm yesterday.
Witnesses said the car also crashed into barriers and lamp posts in the hospital car park, off Burton Road, West Didsbury.
Two women, aged 44 and 49, suffered serious injuries in the collision and were treated by paramedics at the scene. One was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital and the other to Manchester Royal Infirmary, but both died a short time later.
An 89-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was taken into police custody yesterday afternoon.
The women have not been named publicly and it is not yet known if they were patients, relatives or staff.
Witnesses at the scene said they could hear screams following the collision.
A patient, who was attending an appointment at the hospital on Nell Lane, said: “All I could see was a bit of a commotion and I did hear a scream.
“I went in the hospital for my appointment and the next thing all hell broke loose. I was shocked when I came outside and saw all the police. I don’t think I realised the severity of it at first.”
Another witness said: “Someone screamed and I saw people doing chest compressions on someone on the floor. It was awful.”
Images shared of the aftermath of the collision show two bollards damaged near the car park pay station and debris surrounding a green Ford Focus.
GMP are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with further information to get in touch.
Senior investigating officer Sgt Lee Westhead, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts go out to the families of the two women. Our speciallytrained officers are going to be supporting them through this devastating time. “An investigation has commenced to establish the exact circumstances and we are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the vehicle beforehand to come forward.” The women’s relatives have been informed. Silas Nicholls, chief executive at University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM), which manages Withington Community Hospital, said: “We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the families of those women who have sadly lost their life. We are extremely saddened by today’s events and our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who have been affected by this tragic news. We are currently assisting Greater Manchester Police with their investigation and we are also supporting staff and patients.”
I went in the hospital for my appointment and the next thing all hell broke loose
Witness