Tragedy as young mum shopping with baby girl is killed in horror lorry crash

A MOTHER and her baby girl were mown down by a lorry just yards from a supermarket, killing the mother and causing head injuries to the baby, who this afternoon is in hospital receiving treatment.

It’s believed the mum had been pushing the baby in a stroller when the lorry collided into the pair, crushing the woman and injuring the child.

The mother, in her 20s, lay trapped under the blue HGV lorry but witnesses revealed that they saw undertakers removing the body under a sheet once the woman's body had been freed.

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance said: "At 12.01 we were called to the road traffic collision. A rapid response vehicle and two ambulances attended.

"The baby was conveyed to hospital by ambulance having suffered head injuries that were not thought to be life threatening."

The air ambulance was on its way to the crash scene but was called off when emergency services pronounced the mother dead at the scene.

Local people were reeling from the shock of the crush which "happened very fast" despite their belief the van had been travelling at "normal speed" moments before hitting the mum and baby.

The blue articulated lorry was  removed from Basingstoke Road near both Aldi and Morrisons supermarket stores in Whitley, Reading, Berks as officers worked to remove the debris as the area continued to be shut three and a half hours after the collision.

Moments after the crash green screens were put in place to cover the large HGV style lorry and several roads near the crash remained closed.

A male bystander said the woman was trying to cross the road with her baby when the accident happened.

He said the lorry, with trailer, was travelling 'at a normal speed' and that 'it was all over very fast.'

The man, who did not wish to be named, said he and others rushed to help but were powerless.

He said: "Paramedics were soon at the scene.

"I am still shaking like a leaf. It was all over so quickly. The last I saw was the baby being taken out of the pram."

Thames Valley Police confirmed they have contacted the next of kin of the woman involved in the horror smash that occurred at around 12pm as the baby is treated at Royal Berkshire Hospital.

A neighbour said: "I saw a pram by the road. The police have pushed it out of the way though. Some one said she had a kid with her. But I can't be sure. I hope they are all right."

Lokendra Dhakal, owner of the nearby laundrette, said: "I did not see the accident but I was working inside and someone came and told me that someone had died, then I rushed out."

Another added: "There is a juggernaut facing south on Basingstoke Road.

"They have put the skirting down so you can't see the wheels.

"They are putting green tarpaulin over the area so people can't see anything." Thames Valley Police have blocked off at Basingstoke Road, Buckland Road, Tavistock Road and Brixton Road in Reading, Berks.

One eyewitness said: "Cars are having to turn around because the police cars are blocking the road."

Local residents have taken to social media to express their condolences.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash.

Senior Investigating officer Det Sgt Ashley Hannibal, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said: “We are investigating the fatal collision and appealing for any witnesses who saw the collision or who saw the heavy goods vehicle travelling prior to the collision. Anyone with any information which could assist officers’ enquiries should contact police.

“The family of the deceased are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers at this very difficult time.”