Horrified children see lollipop lady knocked down and killed by lorry

Published on Thursday 14 January 2010 21:36

A LOLLIPOP lady has died after being knocked down by a lorry yesterday in front of dozens of horrified schoolchildren, parents and staff.

Catherine Gibson was helping children cross the street when she was hit outside St Anne's Primary School in the East End of Glasgow yesterday.

The 59-year-old lollipop lady, from Glasgow's Dennistoun, was struck by the lorry as she held out her sign for it to stop on the crossing just before 9am.

A Kwik Fit worker said he ran from the garage opposite the school when he heard children screaming.

He said: "I suddenly heard all these children screaming and crying so I came out.

"I saw the lady face-down on the road with the lorry's wheel over her shoulder.

"She wasn't moving but she was breathing , although I don't think she was conscious. It is just so shocking."

Robert Lawson was dropping off his 11-year-old son Bradley at the school gates when Mrs Gibson was hit.

He said: "I heard a scream and turned around but all I could see was the yellow jacket underneath the lorry.

"I sent Bradley into the school to ring an ambulance but staff there had already done it.

It really was a shocking sight and I really feel for the children."

St Anne's Primary School headteacher Louise Jarvie paid tribute to Mrs Gibson: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this very sad time.

"Cathy was a very popular and valued member of the school community.

" I know that she will be greatly missed by everyone, and she had a great rapport with the children.

"Everyone is devastated and shocked at this tragic news. Support and counselling for pupils and staff will be available to anyone who needs it."

Mrs Gibson was knocked down on Alma Street, close to Celtic Football Club, by a white lorry that had been travelling north towards Biggar Street, the A89 Edinburgh to Glasgow road.

Emergency services were called to try to save Mrs Gibson's life but she was pronounced dead at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman appealed for witnesses to come forward.

She said: "The woman sustained serious injuries and was transferred by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where sadly she succumbed to her injuries.

"The male driver of the vehicle was uninjured but left badly shaken as a result.

"A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

Police officers closed the road as an accident investigation unit pored over the scene. Officers also stood by the St Anne's school gates at lunchtime.

The Allma Construction lorry was left at the roadside and removed by a recovery truck just after midday.

The company declined to comment.

Deaths of lollipop men and women are rare, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

One adult was killed on a lollipop crossing last year and just over 100 adults and children were injured.