A YOUNG boy has been badly hurt in a road accident at Marsden – the second child to be hurt on the same stretch of road in the last seven weeks.
The 10-year-old was crossing the main Manchester Road close to Peel Street when he was in an accident with a motorcyclist at 4pm yesterday.
And it led to immediate calls for more safety measures.
On February 6 an eight-year-old boy was badly hurt after he was in an accident with a car on a zebra crossing on Manchester Road outside Marsden Junior School at 3.20pm.
A 73-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision but police have confirmed that no further action will be taken against him.
After yesterday’s accident the road was closed off by police while paramedics tended to the stricken youngster, who remained conscious throughout.
He had suffered serious head and leg injuries, including a suspected fractured femur and broken pelvis.
Retained firefighters Gavin Shaw, John Arey, Michael Dobbin and Neil Sutcliffe – who is also a paramedic – were close by at Marsden Fire Station and rushed to help and gave him vital first aid before ambulance crews arrived.
The decision was taken to draft in a helicopter to fly him directly to Leeds General Infirmary for specialist treatment.
The South Yorkshire Air Ambulance swooped low over the village and landed on land behind the old Marsden Fire Station and Marsden Liberal Club.
Once stabilised by paramedics the youngster was gently lifted onto the helicopter which then took off from land which used to house the village’s gas holder.
Manchester Road remained sealed off while police accident investigation experts carried out a detailed examination of the scene.
A black motorcycle with learner plates was parked by the side of the road within the cordoned off area and a motorcycle helmet was on the pavement.
Peel Street is the main street into Marsden.
Villager Mike Elliott, who took photographs of the South Yorkshire Air Ambulance as it landed, said: “The helicopter came down low over our back gardens and landed as close to the scene of the accident as possible.’’
The motorcyclist stopped at the scene.
A Manchester Road resident who did not want to be named said: “I think the boy was playing football in the park and he ran after his ball into the road.
“His mother went with him and his head was gashed open.’’
She added: “I think that stretch of Manchester Road needs to be reduced to 20mph for a short stretch through the three zebra crossings.
“That’s the second accident in a few weeks along here. Everybody is concerned about this. I would say people are coming through here at more than 30mph, but even at 30mph that’s a big impact for a small kid.
“The residents think this should be monitored closely. There are just too many cars to be perfectly honest.’’
The road reopened at 5.50pm.
Anyone who saw what happened should contact Kirklees Southern Area Road Policing on the main 101 number.
