Saturday, 21 December 2019

Stroke victim's ambulance blocked by Walthamstow Mini Holland road closures


The incident took place following a meeting at the Walthamstow Islamic Centre, in Grove Road, at which residents were discussing the cycle scheme. Although this happened back in late September, it has only just been made public after a video has been circulating on social media this week. 

A man was taken ill shortly after the meeting, suffering from a stroke. An ambulance arrived at the scene within 11 minutes, but spent time taking a detour around the block after running into the road closures.

The medic replies: “We couldn’t get through, we are not from this area, point is, I didn’t know Grove Road was closed or the other roads because I haven’t been here for ages.”


Christine Greig, who witnessed the incident, said: “The ambulance got stuck at the bollards and had to drive off again.

“This was a stroke victim, there is a window in which to save someone and we could see him getting worse before our eyes.
“I want safer cycling, my husband is a cyclist, but Mini Holland is causing a number of knock-on effects.
“The more frightening thing than the gridlock is the effect it could have on emergency services.”


Also last night an ambulance had to be taken out of service, when it was hit by a TfL registered Minicab that according to witnesses at the scene had jumped the lights and struck the ambulance by the drivers door, causing considerable damage. 

On one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services, a second ambulance had to be called plus two police cars were in attendance. 


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