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Boy, 17, killed as car hits tree
Reporter: by Marina Berry
Date online: 30/07/2010
A 17-year-old boy died after the car he was driving crashed into a tree during a police pursuit early today.
The accident happened at 1.45am after the officer, who was on routine patrol in Ashton Road, Oldham, spotted a Ford Focus driving at speed without lights.
The officer followed the vehicle as it travelled towards Ashton from Oldham.
The teenage driver attempted to turn into Springwood Way, on the Oldham/Ashton border, when the vehicle crashed into a tree.
The 17-year-old was trapped inside the car, and police released him from the Ford Focus, which was smoking after the smash, and then burst into flames.
The teenager suffered a number of injuries and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Resident Danielle Etchells who lives in Springwood Way was woken when she heard sirens followed by screeching and a loud crash.
She said: “I heard small pops like windows smashing and looked out of the bedroom window. There were flames coming from under the car. There were police cars, a fire engine and an ambulance outside our house.”
The coroner has been informed.
The driver of the police car has been routinely suspended and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Comments
I once knew a young lad who died the same way - what a waste, he had an apprenticeship, he certainly wasn't the type I'd have called a waster.
There just seems to be something in young men that leads them to believe they are indestructible and that it won't happen to them.
The only good which can come from a tragedy like this would be for others to take note & not to risk their lives. Sadly it's a lesson I don't think will ever be learned.
I feel sorry for the poor Police Officer who was just doing his duty and had to witness the accident and subsequent death of the driver. The officer is now suspended pending the investigation by the PCC. It could have been worse, this lads inability to drive could have killed other innocent people.
Flake, unfortunately I think you're right. Other young drivers never seem to learn. We see these reports all too often.
Im Sorry To Here Wahh Appened:(
My Uncle Died In The Same Accident In 1991 And He was Only 17..My Symperthy Is For You All The WAy I Noo How You Feel And Hes Gone To A Better Place All Ya Can Dua for him<3 Inshallah Thing Will Goooood For His Family<3
This sort of tragic occurence has happened many times before and will sadly happen many times in the future but we just have to hope that an innocent motorist obeying all the laws and rules of the road does not pay with their lives because of the reckless actions of others
it is so sad when people get killed as young as that
my sincere condolenences to the family
What a terrible - and completely avoidable - waste of a life. His family must be devastated to learn how silly he was and what a price he paid.
My sympathy goes to the police officer who has to suffer the trauma of an investigation.
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what a waste of life, young lads should think before things like this as it can result in jail sentence or death. RIP. All thoughts and prayers are with the family.
By j4v3d @ 30/07/2010 12:58:54
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