TV Presenter Killed in First Ever e-scooter Road Fatality
Emily Hartridge died after being hit by lorry on Queenstown Road
Emily Hartridge. Picture: Twitter
TV Presenter and YouTuber Emily Hartridge has been named as the victim in road traffic collision that took place in Battersea last Friday morning (12 July).
The incident in which she was hit by a bin lorry occurred shortly before 8.36am on Queenstown Road near the junction with Battersea Park Road.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, who were at her side within four minutes, she had suffered serious injuries after being knocked off her e-scooter and was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed that this is the first time anyone riding an e-scooter has been killed in the UK. They are currently illegal to use on public roads in this country.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said, “We sent an advanced paramedic, two ambulance crews, an incident response officer and two medics in cars to the scene.
“With the first of our medics arriving in under four minutes.
“Sadly, despite the extensive efforts of medics, a woman died at the scene.”
The driver of the lorry was not arrested.
A statement on her Instagram page says, "Hi everyone. This is a horrible thing to have to say over Instagram but we know many of you were expecting to see Emily today and this is the only way to contact you all at once.
"Emily was involved in an accident yesterday and passed away. We all loved her to bits and she will never be forgotten.”
35-year-old Ms Hartridge had 340,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel in which she posted about relationship issues.
BBC Radio 1 presenter Chris Stark said on Twitter, "Really sad to hear the news about Emily Hartridge. She was such a top girl, so talented and a heart of gold. Just makes you remember to live every day like your last. Thinking of her close friends and family with this tragic news."
A cyclist was killed near the same spot last year at a junction that was designed by Wandsworth Council in 2015 in a bid to make it safer non-motorised traffic.
The scene after the collision Picture: Nicola Nardelli
A Department for Transport spokeswoman said, "We extend our deepest sympathies to all those involved in this tragic incident, and fully support the police as they carry out their investigations.
"Safety is at the heart of all our road laws and it is important that retailers continue to remind people at the point of sale that it is illegal to ride e-scooters on public roads."
Anyone who witnessed this incident, or has any dash cam footage is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1979/12 June or Tweet @MetCC.
July 15, 2019