Baby among two killed in crash horror

February 10, 2010

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An 18-month-old baby was killed along with an elderly driver who careered off a busy main road and ploughed into the toddler and his mother, police said.

Little Jayden Bloomer and his mother Jackie, 30, who is fighting for her life, were on Water Street in Accrington at about 3pm on Tuesday, when the driver mounted the kerb and crashed into them.

The trio were taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where the child and the 89-year-old driver, who has not been named yet, died.

Mum Jackie is in a critical condition in the Royal Preston Hospital where she is being treated for multiple injuries.

Lancashire Police appealed for witnesses who might have seen the driver's green Rover in the run-up to the crash. They say their lines of inquiry include the theory that the driver may have collapsed or suffered health problems while at the wheel.

Click on the video for more from Sgt Mick Young of Lancashire Police.

A police spokesman said: "The car has come off the road at Eastgate, it has mounted the pavement and collided with a building at the bottom of Water Street.

"Sadly, it collided with a female pedestrian and a baby.

"The driver of the vehicle, woman and baby were all transported to the Royal Blackburn Hospital and unfortunately the driver of the car, an elderly man, and also the baby believed to be 18 months, have sadly died.

"The mother of the child is still being treated for multiple injuries and is in a critical condition.

"This accident has happened on one of the busiest roads in Accrington and people would have been picking up their children at the time, about 3pm.

"A major investigation is under way and our thoughts are with both families."

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blizzard, derbyshire (09/02/2010 at 19:04)

Jesus. How horribly sad. Puts your own life into perspective when something like this happens.
I hope the poor mum can find it within herself to carry on after this.

LEASE ON COUNCIL HOUSE IS 250 YEAR'S, MANCHESTER (09/02/2010 at 19:28)

GOD , VERY SAD .

micelle denwood (09/02/2010 at 20:10)

What a TRAGEDY. My thoughts are with all family's concerned.VERY VERY SAD

Michelle, Accrington

Jetstar, Manchest`oh ! (09/02/2010 at 20:41)

terrible news i hope the lady pullls through and has the strength to survive, she will need good family and friends to support her.
Not forgetting the elderley gent either, maybe he had a heart attack at the wheel.

mel c (09/02/2010 at 21:14)

the driver of the car has been reported elsewhere as being aged 89 - before everyone jumps on me - i am not being age-ist BUT how many more tragic unneccessary incidents like this one have to occur before the government tackles the issue of the elderly being behind the wheel when they shouldn't be ......
It's bad enough when you hear the cars screaming round the streets stuck in 1st gear - to read this story is heart breaking - my thoughts go out to the families involved

bluenatic, haslingden (09/02/2010 at 22:19)

I spend most of my time getting wound up about football. city this, utd that. I would happily relegate my beloved blues just to go back in time and shout a warning to the poor, poor lady.

Mike, Manchester (09/02/2010 at 23:26)

very sad indeed. thinking of these people.

Bemused of Tameside., Dukinfield (09/02/2010 at 23:52)

How sad. A true accident.
Huge sympathies and condolences to both families.
To the Mum, I hope you recover well. x

Darren Wilkinson (10/02/2010 at 00:17)

My thoughts go out to all families and hope the mother pulls through,be strong we are with you and thank you to the emergency services who did there best. xx

Maureen Bartlett (10/02/2010 at 09:23)

People over 70 should take a short driving test yearly , no matter how good a driver they have been over the years reactions slow down as you get older and many may not realise this. I feel for both families but lets be realistic, there are some people who should hang up their keys. i work in a job where I come across people daily that should not be driving. There should also be a compulsary medical.

KELLY FLOOD (10/02/2010 at 11:20)

Such a tragic day such a tragic incident and what a horrible scene to witness in the aftermath. God Bless Baby Jayden may he rest in peace and play with the angels. Also rest in peace to the elderly Gentleman involved my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. My thoughts and prayers also go to Chris and his family and I hope he can find the strength he needs to be strong for Jackie and his other big boy. May god help Jackie to pull through Chris needs you so much and so will your big boy and in time may you all find the strength to deal with the sad passing of your precious Baby Boy. My thoughts also go to Chris's family what a lovely family they are. Words cannot describe how I feel about this event it has ha dme crying it is such a shame so tragic god bless everyone involved x x x

Public School Pimms Lout (10/02/2010 at 11:40)

So very, very sad!

Thoughts, sympathies and regards to the families involved.

Pandora (10/02/2010 at 12:14)

I´m sorry the driver died, but should they have been on the road at 89?

Bertie McGrew , Northern Countryside (10/02/2010 at 12:17)

Mel C & Maureen, please do not find the driver guilty without knowing the facts. It may well be the driver's fault and I certainly agree that post 70 all drivers should be tested every year, with a medical. But at the moment we do not know the reason the vehicle crashed.

It's a terrible tragedy and the driver has also died. I cannot see any sense in this at all.

I am of a like mind to Bluenatic, but we cant turn back the clock!

Ace Riley, outsidethebox (10/02/2010 at 13:05)

Before the kneejerk action take into consideration how many of these older drivers injure or kill compared to other drivers and you will be surprised how few accidents they have.all my condolaces to the lady and her family. a terrible accident.

Northen Bird :), Eccles (10/02/2010 at 14:19)

there should be an age limit on driving. Most accidents (not official, i just feel this from what i read) are caused by young "boy racers" or elderly people, you should be have to take tests every year or what ever when you get to a certain age. 89 is very old to be driving. i dont mean to cause offence by saying this

chris (10/02/2010 at 17:43)

a terrible story.

but don't go blaming the driver people...remember that we as a society treat driving as a right and not a privilege. If the same numeber of people were kill in a particular industry as are killed on the roads there would be outrage. getting killed by a car, whilst a tragedy, is somehow acceptable to the general public....its very sad.

next time you jump in you can and shoot of down the street just think about the responsibility you have.

I hope this lady pulls through and she can rebuild her life.

chris Reid (11/02/2010 at 20:48)

sincere condolences to all involved. words are just not enough.

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