A lorry driver, 44, has been arrested after a woman was knocked down and killed at a busy London junction.
The incident happened at 12.20pm yesterday on City Road, near Old Street.
Witnesses said the woman’s coat got caught on the lorry and she was dragged underneath for around three feet, before the driver stopped.
Paramedics battled to save the middle-aged woman after she was hit by the heavy goods vehicle, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police said they had arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs.
The incident happened at 12.20pm yesterday on City Road, near Old Street
Paramedics battled to save the middle-aged woman after she was hit by the heavy goods vehicle, but she was pronounced dead at the scene
A worker at Renaissance, a fireplaces shop directly in front of where the crash happened said: ‘She got dragged underneath the lorry. She looked 50 to me. She got caught, and got dragged underneath.
‘I just saw the back wheels going over her head. Her coat, whatever she was wearing, dragged her underneath.
‘She was a redhead. I couldn’t see her face. Obviously it was on the floor. I thought she was between 50 and 60.
‘I think she got dragged about a metre. She was dead as soon as she hit the ground.
‘When the ambulance arrived, they weren’t even trying to resuscitate her.’
A spokesman for the force said: ‘Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are appealing for information following a fatal collision.
‘Officers were called to City Road at the junction with Westland Place, N1.
‘A lorry was reported to have been in collision with a pedestrian.
‘The female pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.
‘The 44-year-old lorry driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs and drug driving.
‘He has been taken to a north London police station where he is currently detained.’
The Metropolitan Police said they had arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs
Arun Malin, 24, a lettings agent at Victor Stone, said: ‘There was a lady hit by a lorry, and she passed away immediately.
‘She was going to work with her backpack when she got hit. The whole road was blocked from one crossing up till Moorfields Eye Hospital. There was a bunch of police cars, people standing around.
‘It was blocked for a good four to five hours. There were loads of police cars and vans, and there was a tent.’
Jonathan Dupont, 41, a barista in nearby Papilles cafe, said: ‘The police asked to see our CCTV but it doesn’t point out to what it was.
‘The road was blocked for five hours. It got back to normal and they removed the cordons about half past five.
‘There was a forensic tent up there. By half one they put it to. The police and ambulance were here really quick.’
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 020 8991 9555 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.
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