Anger at road layout after mother-to-be struck by bus
● Woman in critical condition ● Baby believed to be unharmed
A heavily pregnant woman was last night fighting for her life after being hit by a bus in Edinburgh as local residents voiced anger over the lack of a pedestrian crossing on the road where the collision happened.
The 31-year-old, who is eight months pregnant, sustained serious head injuries after being hit by a number 26 bus in the capital at about 7pm on Wednesday.
Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene at the junction of Lansdowne Crescent and Palmerston Place. The woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment and was in a critical condition last night. It is believed her unborn baby is unharmed.
Senior figures at Lothian confirmed one of their buses was involved and said the company was “fully assisting” police with their investigation.
Residents highlighted the absence of a zebra crossing on the stretch of road even though traffic levels have increased considerably following the introduction of diversions to accommodate Scottish Water’s Haymarket Terrace sewer upgrade.
Stuart Mckenzie, 64, said: “It was horrifying to see the flashing lights and a woman on the floor. I didn’t sleep well. It is just terrible news. We are seeing a lot of traffic on the roads and it is a problem for pedestrians as there’s no crossing in the area.
0 The accident took place at the junction of Lansdowne Crescent and Palmerston Place
“A zebra crossing was installed when the tram works took place and this incident proves it needs to be back in place. It was an accident waiting to happen.”
Inspector Roger Park of Edinburgh’s Road Policing Unit said: “We are currently investigating this collision and we are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed it.”
A spokesman for Scottish Water said: “Our first thoughts are with the woman injured in this incident and with her family and friends.
“All traffic diversions to facilitate the major sewer upgrade at Haymarket are put in place in full consultation with a number of stakeholders, including City of Edinburgh Council.”
A city council spokesman said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the woman involved in this accident, and her family and friends. We will be working with Police Scotland to assist in their investigations where possible.
“The road layout to enable works at Haymarket was originally agreed by the Council with Scottish Water and other partners, including Police Scotland and the Ambulance Service, and complies with the relevant traffic management standards.”