First responder speaks after schoolgirl was hit and killed at intersection
A witness has told of how he tried to save a teenage girl who died after she was hit by a truck in Melbourne.
The family of the 14-year-old girl who was hit by a truck on her way to school on Wednesday about 7am in Mitcham, in Melbourne’s east, are mourning her death.
Witness Gary King found her unconscious and bleeding.
“[I was] making sure she was alright,” he said.
“But no, she wasn’t.
“I walked over and seen (sic) someone lying there.”
The girl was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition with chest and head injuries, but later died.
Resident Mark Williams described her death as “absolutely devastating” and added “a lot of kids” cross Whitehorse Road at the Dampier Grove and Heatherdale Road intersection.
Police say the driver of the truck kept going after the 14-year-old was hit.
A NSW truck driver, 39, contacted police. He was interviewed and released without charge as police gathered more evidence.
The rig was covered as police continued their investigations.
Makita, the company the truck was branded with, said in a statement it was “deeply saddened” by the accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the young girl who lost her life,” the statement reads.
Mr Williams said the intersection was “dangerous” and there had been a lot of “near misses in the past”.
“It’s pretty much every second day or so that we have a pedestrian that’s nearly clipped,” he said.
Others said the intersection was a notorious blackspot.
Concerned resident Alhad Harne said “every time” he crossed the road he had to raise his hand in the air so drivers could see him.
Flowers have been left at the crossing for the teenager who lost her life.
The investigation continues to determine what happened.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.