Greenhills man, 19, fights for life after being hit by 4x4

Jan 7 2009 by Graham Mann, East Kilbride News

Man, 19, fights for life after being hit by 4x4

A TEENAGER is fighting for his life after he was struck by a car travelling on Murray Road.

The 19-year-old from Greenhills suffered serious head injuries and possible spinal injuries as a result of the incident, which happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police were alerted by an ambulance crew who found the young man unconscious when they arrived at the scene just after 4am.

The pedestrian, who was struck by a Landrover Freelander, was taken to Hairmyres Hospital but, due to the serious nature of his injuries, he was transferred to Southern General Hospital in Glasgow where his condition is described as ‘serious’.

The injured man did not require surgery but is on a ventilator and has responded appropriately to medication.

A reveller making his way home from the town centre witnessed the aftermath of the accident.

He said: "I was getting a lift back from the dancing when I saw a young guy lying on the road next to a jeep.

“The jeep's windscreen was damaged and the boy looked in a bad way.

“There were no police officers on the scene at the time so it must have just happened."

When police were informed that the man’s life was in danger a section of road was closed between Heathery Knowe Primary School and Owen Avenue.

The road remained closed for seven hours as road traffic police carried out investigations.

The driver of the car was uninjured, although he has been left badly shaken as a result of the incident.

Enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the situation and witnesses are asked to contact Sargeant Linda Spence at the Road Policing Department, Motherwell, on 01698 483124.