Boy killed as bike hits pillar

2009-09-03 13:07

Pretoria - A 10-year-old boy died when he hit a brick pillar while cycling downhill with his friends in Queenswood in Pretoria, paramedics said on Thursday.

Netcare911 spokesperson Nick Dollman said the boy and his friend were riding their bicycles downhill at the corner of Edgehill and Elnita Streets at considerable speed on Wednesday afternoon.

"He failed to successfully turn at the corner and crashed head-on into the brick pillar of a palisade fence. He had severe injuries. He had already died when paramedics arrived at the scene," said Dollman.

There was also significant damage to his bicycle.

Dollman said his friend who was riding with him on another bicycle was fortunate as he managed to cross over onto the verge but did not hit the wall.

"He sustained moderate injuries and his condition was stable. He was taken to Pretoria Academic hospital," he said.

Neither child was wearing protective gear at the time.

According to neighbours, this was a common place where children met to play on their bicycles and skateboards.

Several other children had previously sustained injuries during their falls.

"They don't realise the dangers that are involved," said Dollman.

- SAPA