Pregnant Woman Struck by E-Bike in Terrifying Hit-and-Run Incident
A pregnant woman who was hit by an e-bike on a pedestrian crossing has described the horrifying moment she believed her unborn baby had died. Siobhan Barling, aged 30, was crossing the road at traffic lights on Herbert Avenue in Poole on January 26 when an electric-powered vehicle struck her, knocking her to the ground.
Immediate Fears for Unborn Child After Collision
The e-bike, which was carrying a pillion passenger, failed to stop and continued down the road, leaving Siobhan injured and alone. Her unborn son, James, was due in just six weeks, and she immediately feared the worst after he stopped moving in the aftermath of the collision. "The first thing I said was 'he's dead' because I'd felt him move and then instantly I couldn't feel him moving any more," Siobhan told the BBC. "I just kept thinking he's dead, my baby's gone. That's it."
Emergency Medical Response and Premature Birth
Passersby helped Siobhan, and she was eventually taken to Poole Hospital's A&E ward by a family member. She was then transferred to the maternity unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section. James was born in the early hours of January 27 and spent four days in the neonatal intensive care unit.
During his hospital stay, James required a feeding tube and was placed on a machine to assist his breathing, with Siobhan and her husband fearing his lungs had not developed enough to function properly. Fortunately, the youngster has since been released from hospital and is now at home, doing well under the care of his parents.
Ongoing Health Concerns and Emotional Trauma
Siobhan also suffered injuries from the hit-and-run, including a haematoma in her stomach and tissue damage to her hip. She praised the staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for their role in James's recovery. However, doctors have warned that he may face long-term problems with his eyes, lungs, and stomach due to his premature birth.
"Every single day now I'm on panic mode thinking 'if he chokes on his sick is he going to stop breathing because his lungs are still quite small because he's so premature'," Siobhan added. "The worry hasn't gone away."
Psychological Impact and Safety Fears
The traumatic incident has left Siobhan with lasting anxiety about pedestrian safety. She now takes a different route to school to avoid the crossing on Herbert Avenue and experiences major panic attacks when forced to use it. This highlights the broader issue of e-bike safety and pedestrian vulnerability in urban areas.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Dorset Police reported last month that they had arrested a 13-year-old boy from Poole on suspicion of a driving offence related to the incident. He has since been released under investigation as the force continues its enquiries. Police Sergeant Dan Yates of the Roads Policing Team stated, "Our investigation is continuing and we have now made an arrest as part of our enquiries. I would like to thank the public who came forward and provided information to help with our investigation."
The police are still appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in such cases. This incident underscores the need for stricter regulations and awareness around e-bike usage to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
