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In a tragic turn of events, a severe collision between a car and a pedestrian has resulted in a driver being critically injured, while the pedestrian has also sustained injuries. The incident occurred on the A3290 in East Reading, near the Thames Valley Park, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing significant concern among local residents and authorities.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place in the early hours of the morning, around 6:30 AM, when emergency services were called to the scene. According to eyewitnesses, the car was traveling along the A3290 when it collided with the pedestrian who was attempting to cross the road. The impact of the collision left the vehicle severely damaged and the driver trapped inside.
Emergency responders, including paramedics and firefighters, were quick to arrive at the scene. The driver, whose identity has not yet been released, was extricated from the vehicle and transported to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where they are currently in critical condition. The pedestrian was also taken to the same hospital with less severe, but still significant, injuries.
Response from Authorities
Thames Valley Police have launched an investigation into the accident to determine the exact circumstances that led to this unfortunate event. Officers are urging any witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage who were in the area at the time of the collision to come forward and assist with the investigation.
"This is a deeply concerning incident, and our thoughts are with both the driver and the pedestrian," said Chief Inspector Sarah Johnson of Thames Valley Police. "We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to understand what happened and to ensure that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future."
Traffic Disruptions and Public Reaction
As a result of the crash, the A3290 was closed for several hours, causing significant disruption to morning commuters. Traffic was diverted, and motorists were advised to find alternative routes to avoid the affected area. The road closure has since been lifted, but delays continued throughout the day as investigators worked at the scene.
Residents of East Reading have expressed their shock and concern over the incident, calling for increased safety measures and better pedestrian crossings in the area. "It's heartbreaking to hear about such accidents happening so close to home," said local resident Emily Thompson. "We need to make our roads safer for everyone, whether they're driving or walking."
Preventative Measures and Community Safety
This collision has once again highlighted the importance of road safety and the need for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant. Authorities are expected to review the accident's findings and consider implementing additional safety measures on the A3290 to prevent future incidents. Enhanced signage, improved lighting, and designated pedestrian crossings could be among the potential solutions discussed.
The community's response underscores a collective commitment to ensuring such tragedies are minimised. Local councils, law enforcement, and residents must work together to identify high-risk areas and enforce safety regulations rigorously.
Support for Affected Individuals
Counseling and support services are being made available to the families of those involved in the collision. Thames Valley Police have assured the community that they will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available, and they appreciate the public's patience and cooperation during this time.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as they navigate this difficult period. We encourage anyone with information related to the incident to contact Thames Valley Police promptly.