Child hit by truck in Gurranabraher fighting for life

A CHILD was fighting for his life in hospital last night after he and a friend were knocked down by a truck on the northside of Cork city.

The eight-year-old boy suffered severe head and chest injuries in the incident on Sunvalley Drive near the Glenavannig Estate – one of the main hills leading to the city’s northside – at around 4pm yesterday.

He was in a critical condition in Cork University Hospital (CUH) last night.

He was walking in the area with his friend and neighbour, an eight-year-old girl, when they were both struck on the road by a semi-rigid delivery truck which was travelling down the hill.

The young girl was also rushed to CUH but was discharged a few hours later with minor cuts and bruises.

The truck driver was severely shocked and has spoken to gardaí.

Gardaí launched a full investigation and sealed off the road between its junctions with Fairhill and St Colmcille’s Road for a forensic examination.

Garda road traffic collision investigators examined the scene and the truck will be examined by a public service vehicle inspector.

Supt Con Cadogan said it was a very serious incident and he appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“This is a particularly busy road, especially around the time of this incident,” he said.

“I would appeal to people especially who saw the children prior to the incident to contact us at Gurranabraher Garda Station on 021-4946200.”