In a shocking accident on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, an elderly pedestrian tragically lost his life after being struck by a car. The incident, which occurred shortly after midday on Monday, saw the elderly man carried on the roof of a grey Mercedes for nearly a mile before being discovered by a local postman on Grange Road. Initially mistaking the body for a dummy, the postman was stunned when he realised the grim reality.
Emergency services promptly arrived on the scene, with approximately 20 vehicles including police cars and ambulances flooding the area to investigate and provide assistance. Despite their swift response, the victim sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Residents of the area, although shocked by the event, emphasised that it is typically a safe neighbourhood. Ralph Belmonte, who has lived on Grange Road for 47 years, remarked on the unusual nature of the tragedy, highlighting that it could happen anywhere, despite the area’s generally low crime rate.
Kent Police have been actively investigating the crash, with three men now in custody. Two men, aged 29 and 28, were arrested on the same day of the incident and are currently being questioned. A third suspect, a 28-year-old from Edgware, was apprehended the following day.
Detectives are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward. Contact them if you have any information that might assist with the investigation.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for community vigilance. Stay safe and look out for one another, because we never know when our familiarity might be disrupted by unexpected events.