An elderly woman, identified as Helen Holland, 81, from Birchanger, Essex, was hit by a police motorbike that was escorting the Duchess of Edinburgh in West London on Wednesday, leaving her in a critical condition. The incident took place at around 3.21 pm at the junction of Cromwell Road and Warwick Road. According to eyewitness Fiona El-Lasbi, the victim was “hit at speed.”
Current Situation
Helen Holland has reportedly been in a coma since the incident occurred. Her son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Lisa-Marie Holland, expressed their shock and sickening at her extensive injuries and thanked the NHS for keeping her alive. The family is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Reaction from Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Thursday expressing the Duchess’s “heartfelt thoughts and prayers” for Ms Holland and her family. The statement further acknowledged the swift response by emergency services and stated that further comments would not be appropriate while investigations were ongoing.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable pedestrians, particularly the elderly, during high-profile events such as royal visits. It is essential that authorities take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly those who are at higher risk of injury or fatality.
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