Vigil for crushed Thomas
Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 30 August 2010
THE parents of a toddler who was crushed under the wheels of a wagon were today keeping vigil by his hospital bedside.
Two-year-old Thomas Wilshaw was being pushed across Huddersfield Road at Hill Stores by his mum Laura Wood (20) when they were in collision with a refuse truck.
His pram was dragged under the wheels until the lorry screeched to a halt outside The Weavers Arms pub in front of shocked onlookers.
An off-duty nurse stopped to give the tot medical care before an ambulance arrived.
Thomas, who suffered head injuries, was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and later transferred to the intensive care unit at Manchester Children’s Hospital where he has undergone emergency surgery. Thomas’s mum escaped injury.
Thomas’s mum and dad, Ben Wilshaw (24), said: “There have been some very kind messages from friends and members of the public and we thank them for that. We would ask that people please respect our privacy in these difficult times.”
The wagon was on its way to the Arkwright Street Recycling Centre.
An eyewitness said: “The pram was totally crushed underneath the wheels. Everyone was panicking because the boy looked so small and it looked like he had a black eye.
“It looked so bad and I honestly can’t believe he wasn’t killed.
“There was nothing left of the pram. He is lucky to be alive.”
Councillor Mark Alcock, whose responsibilites include the borough’s refuse collections services, said: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of this incident. Our immediate thoughts and concerns lie with the young boy and extend to his family and friends at this deeply worrying time. We are all hoping to hear positive news of his condition.”
A spokesman for Viridor, which are employed by the council to collect refuse, added: “Viridor will, of course, conduct a full investigation and will co-operate fully with the relevant authorities.”
Huddersfield Road was closed in both directions for four hours to allow investigations into the wagon’s braking system to take place.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the road policing unit on 0161-856 8473.
