Two pensioners hit by a van in Melksham are now in critical condition – as police arrest the driver following the crash.
Great Western Air Ambulance was among the emergency services that rushed to the scene in Lowbourne at around 1.30pm on Saturday (27 September).
Two pensioners, women aged in their 70s, were struck by a reversing van outside Savers.
They were taken to the Major Trauma Centre at Southmead Hospital by land ambulance, where they remain this morning (Sunday).
According to a family member, their injuries include bleeds on the brain, a punctured lung, a lacerated liver and multiple broken bones.
At the time, police believed their injuries were not life-threatening – however, their conditions are thought to have deteriorated and they are now fighting for their lives.
A forensic collision investigation wasn’t carried out, with the road reopening a short time later. It’s likely the road will be closed in the near future for examination of the scene.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that the driver of the van, a 25-year-old man from Melksham, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug driving.
He has been bailed while officers await the results of evidential samples, and to allow further enquiries into the circumstances of the collision to be carried out.
Sergeant James Twyford from the Roads Policing Unit said: “This was a serious incident which has resulted in two elderly women suffering potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We have already spoken to a number of witnesses at the scene and we would like to thank the public for their support with this investigation.
“If you have any CCTV or dash cam footage of the incident, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54250130148.”
