Teenager dragged 50m by a lorry is lucky to be alive

A teenage boy who was hit by a lorry and dragged along the road for 50 metres is "incredibly lucky" that he was not more seriously injured, say emergency services.

The 15-year-old was struck by the HGV on the A689 westbound at the junction of Greatham High Street, near Hartlepool, yesterday morning (Tuesday).

When paramedics arrived on the scene he was still stuck underneath the vehicle with suspected head and abdominal injuries. Words: PA

Emergency services quickly set about rescuing him and providing treatment on the roadside.

He was then airlifted to James Cook Hospital from the busy stretch of road and his condition has been described as stable. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Stuart Thompson, a Great North Air Ambulance Service paramedic, said: "We arrived on scene and the boy was still stuck underneath the vehicle.

"We worked with the Ambulance Service paramedics to get him out of there. He had sustained suspected head and abdominal injuries, so the treatment on the roadside was all about protecting his head, back and pelvis.

"He was then flown to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for further treatment. Considering what had happened and the scene as we initially found it, it is remarkable that he was not more seriously injured. He has been incredibly lucky."

Cleveland Police have made an appeal for anyone who saw what happened to the teenager, who is from the Greatham area, to come forward.

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