Woman in coma after being hit by Duchess of Edinburgh’s police escort British News
An elderly woman who was hit by a police motorcycle escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh is in a coma, according to her family.
Helen Holland, from Birchanger in Essex, was hit by Sophie’s motorcade just before 3.30pm in Earls Court, West on Wednesday London.
The 81-year-old was taken to hospital in critical condition and her family said she is now in a coma.
Son Martin and daughter-in-law Lisa-Marie Holland told the BBC they were “shocked and ill at their serious injuries”.
“She is being well cared for by the NHS, who we must thank deeply for their help in keeping her alive,” they told the broadcaster.
The report said they are calling for “a thorough investigation.”
Mrs Holland was visiting her sister when the accident happened at the corner of Cromwell Road and Warwick Road.
On Thursday, Buckingham Palace said Sophie was “grateful for the quick response from emergency services” and added that she would “keep abreast of developments”.
In a statement, the palace said: “The heartfelt thoughts and prayers of the Duchess are with the injured lady and her family.”
“She is grateful for the quick response from emergency services and will keep abreast of developments.”
“Further comment would be inappropriate at this time while the incident is being investigated.”
Martin Hennessy, 62, who lives near the scene of the accident and came out to walk his dogs shortly after, said it appeared Ms Holland had been “thrown across the road”.
He said the council had been warned the crossing was dangerous and people had died because pedestrians were being forced onto the road to control traffic.
“She’s lucky to be alive at all,” he told the Mirror. “The road is a nightmare.” We have warned the Council about this. Three people were killed here.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a pedestrian was taken to hospital and remains in critical condition.
On Wednesday evening, the police said that no other injuries had been reported and that the investigation into the accident was not yet complete.
Police said the Professional Standards Directorate, which investigates the officers’ behavior, was routinely briefed.
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