Woman killed on ring road

An elderly woman was killed when she knocked down on Stourbridge Ring Road today, causing traffic chaos as routes around the town were shut during investigations.

The victim, believed to be 80 years old, was hit on the Ring Road, opposite Stourbridge Police Station and close to the Worcester Street junction, shortly before 9am.

The pensioner, who has not yet been named, was taken to Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, by ambulance with a doctor on board. But she did not survive the journey.

Police sealed off the Ring Road, Hagley Road and Worcester Street while investigations were carried out today causing tailbacks around the area.

Jill Wakeman, from Dudley Council's highway network management, said there was serious traffic disruption on the ring road, Hagley Road and surrounding roads as a result of the incident with drivers advised to avoid the area.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, Chris Kowalik said emergency crews called to the scene found the woman unconscious following a collision with a car.

"She was taken on blue lights to Russells Hall Hospital by land ambulance. The first contact practitioner stayed with the patient in the ambulance en route to the hospital to ensure she received the best possible treatment. The hospital had been put on alert awaiting her arrival.

"Despite the best efforts of crews, nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead."

A speed camera was installed last year on the stretch of the Ring Road where the collision happened. It is the second tragedy at the spot in the last few years. In 2003 student Sam Neal, aged 20, was knocked over and killed.

People were being advised to avoid Stourbridge Ring Road by police today.

Any witnesses are urged to contact the road policing unit at Halesowen police station on 0845 113 5000.