A WOMAN has died after being hit by a reversing refuse van in a busy shopping street.

Pedestrian Alison Rodger was hit by a council-owned flatbed van in Front Street, Chester-le-Street shortly after 2pm on Wednesday when the area was crowded with shoppers.

The 44-year-old, from Great Lumley, was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham where she was pronounced dead.

PC Mick Baxter, of Durham Police’s collision investigation unit, said the white Ford Transit van had been collecting refuse from footpath litter bins on Front Street when the accident happened.

It was being driven up the hill and had pulled past the bus stop opposite Boots when the driver stopped to allow the passenger to collect refuse from a bin.

PC Baxter added: “We believe the victim crossed the road from west to east, passing the rear of the Transit which then reversed and the rear end of the vehicle struck her and knocked her down.”

The driver of the vehicle, a 23-year-old Houghton-le-Spring man suffered shock while his colleague, a 34-year-old Great Lumley man, was uninjured.

Director of Neighbourhood Services at Durham County Council, Terry Collins, said:”I am really sorry to say that it has been confirmed that a lady has passed away following an accident involving one of our vehicles on Front Street in Chester-le-Street on Wednesday afternoon.

“I want to say firstly that my thoughts are firmly with the lady’s family and friends at this desperately sad time.

“It is far too early to say exactly what happened, but clearly there will be a number of investigations both internally and externally.

“We will fully cooperate with all of these enquiries.”

Witnesses to the collision should contact the police accident unit directly on 0191 3752159 or via the non-emergency number 0345 6060 365.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/