Victim of hit-and-run lucky to be alive

A PEDESTRIAN was lucky to escape with his life after he was the victim of a hit-and-run near one of the country’s largest garda stations.

The man was hit by a van at Old Station Road, near Anglesea Street Garda Station in, Cork — the headquarters for the southern region.

Such was the force of the impact that the victim, believed to be in his 30s, was thrown onto the bonnet of the van and hit off the windscreen before being thrown to the ground.

A senior Garda spokesman said the pedestrian was very fortunate not to have been very seriously injured, or killed.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene and the injured man was brought to the South Infirmary.

He is expected to make a full recovery.

Supt Michael Finn, who is leading the investigation, said the van driver failed to remain at the scene.

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating the driver.

Garda forensic experts carried out a technical examination of the scene in the hope of finding clues as to the make of the vehicle involved.

They are also checking CCTV footage taken in the area.

Supt Finn said detectives believe the van was small and red and had a 06-C registration.

“We believe there will be damage to the bonnet of the van following the impact. It is also possible that there will be damage to the windscreen, as the victim was thrown up against it,” the superintendent said.

The hit-and-run occurred at approximately 9.30pm on Tuesday.

“We are appealing for anybody who has seen a red van which fits the description and which may have damage to the bonnet, or windscreen, to contact gardaí,” Supt Finn said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street garda station at [phone].