A heartbreaking incident took place in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, on Tuesday evening, when an 80-year-old man was hit by a police van and died at the scene. The police vehicle was transporting a suspect into custody at the time of the collision, which occurred on the A52 Derby Road inbound carriageway shortly after 6.30 pm.
What happened?
According to Nottinghamshire Police, the police van was responding to an emergency call when it collided with the elderly pedestrian, who has not been named yet. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect who was in the police van was not injured and was taken to a nearby police station.
The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. Detective Inspector Claire Gould, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “A scene will remain in place while we investigate exactly what has happened, but this tragic incident is not currently being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner in due course. Our thoughts are with this man’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
How did the community react?
The news of the fatal accident has shocked and saddened the local community, who have expressed their condolences and sympathy for the victim and his family. Some residents have also raised concerns about the safety of the road and the speed of the traffic.
One resident, who lives near the scene of the collision, told media: “People tried to get help for the poor guy in the past. What an awful and tragic waste of a life.” Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s a very busy road and people drive very fast. It’s not safe for pedestrians, especially at night. I hope they do something to make it safer.”
A local councilor, Steve Barber, said: “This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the man’s family and friends. I will be contacting the police and the highways department to see what can be done to prevent such incidents in the future.”
What are the facts and figures?
The A52 Derby Road is a major road that connects Nottingham and Derby, and passes through Beeston, a town with a population of about 37,000. The road has a speed limit of 40 mph, but some drivers have been known to exceed it. The road has also been the site of several accidents in the past, some of them fatal.
According to the Department for Transport, there were 1,752 road deaths in Great Britain in 2023, a decrease of 16% from 2022. However, the number of pedestrian fatalities increased by 2% to 470, accounting for 27% of all road deaths. The most common factors contributing to fatal accidents were speeding, failing to look properly, and impairment by alcohol or drugs.
Here is a table summarizing some of the key statistics on road accidents in Great Britain in 2023:
| Category | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total road deaths | 1,752 | 100% |
| Pedestrian deaths | 470 | 27% |
| Car occupant deaths | 736 | 42% |
| Motorcycle rider deaths | 318 | 18% |
| Cyclist deaths | 100 | 6% |
| Other road user deaths | 128 | 7% |
What can we learn from this tragedy?
The tragic collision in Beeston reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. It also raises some questions about the responsibility and accountability of the police and the public when it comes to emergency situations.
While the police have a duty to respond to urgent calls and protect the public, they also have a duty to drive safely and avoid endangering other road users. The public, on the other hand, have a duty to obey the traffic rules and be aware of their surroundings, especially when crossing the road or walking near busy roads.
