Police investigating a fatal road traffic collision in York city centre on Saturday (3 Sept 2011) evening are appealing for key witnesses to come forward who came to the aid of a man and woman trapped under a taxi.
The incident happened just before 8pm on Museum Street when two pedestrians, a woman aged in her late 40s and a man aged in his early 20s, ended up under the wheels of a black Vauxhall Zafira taxi.
A number of people helped to push the people carrier away from the casualties before paramedics arrived. They received serious injuries and were taken to hospital by ambulance for emergency medical attention.
Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at around 9.40pm.
The woman remains in hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the Zafira, who is aged in his 40s and lives in York, was uninjured in the collision.
The police have not named the deceased at this time. This is likely to occur at some point on Monday.
Nobody has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
Traffic Constable Steve James, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said:
It is vital that everyone who witnessed this tragic incident contacts the police to assist the investigation.
From our enquiries so far, we understand that a number of people actually helped to push the taxi away from the man and woman who were trapped underneath. This is an incredibly courageous thing to do under the circumstances and they deserve a great deal of praise.
As well as to thank them for their quick actions and kindness, I also need to speak with them to see if they have any information that could help us piece together the full circumstances surrounding this tragic collision. Even the smallest detail could be important, so please do not delay in making contact.
Witnesses to the collision or anyone with information that could assist the investigation, are urged to contact Traffic Constable 771 Steve James at the Roads Policing Group on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110149979.
The scene of the collision, along with Rougier Street, Station Rise, St Leonards Place and Blake Street, remained closed to traffic until 1.15am on Sunday to allow the police to conduct a detailed investigation into the fatal collision.
