Police name girl, 11, who died following collision with bin lorry in the Borders
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
Police have confirmed an 11-year-old girl who was critically injured following a collision with a bin lorry in the Borders has died.
She’s been named as Elizabeth Bell from East Gordon, Berwickshire.
The incident happened on the A6105 road between Gordon and Greenlaw, near a junction with an unclassified road, shortly after 8am last Wednesday, January 31st.
The youngster, understood to be a pupil at Earlston Primary School, was airlifted to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh, where officers say she passed away yesterday.
Sergeant Dom Doyle, from Police Scotland, said: “Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and they have asked for privacy at this very difficult time.”
“Enquiries are ongoing and we are asking anyone who has not already spoken to officers and can assist with our investigation to get in touch.”
WATCH: Click on the link below to view our video report from East Gordon...
The fatal collision has prompted a call from the local MSP for the speed limit to be reduced - although police have given no indication that speed was a factor.
It comes as parents voice concerns that children are having to stand at the side of the road - which has a 60mph limit and no pavement in places - to await school transport.
In a post on social media, MSP Rachael Hamilton said: "My thoughts are with everyone involved in the upsetting incident in (East) Gordon, especially the young girl and those close to her.
"After speaking with local residents, I have written to Lothian and Borders Police and spoke with Scottish Borders Council officials urging them to look at reducing the speed limit in the village."
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The church in Earlston opened its doors to the community yesterday to offer its support.
Scottish Borders Council has confirmed one of its bin lorries was involved in the incident, and it's assisting police with their enquiries.
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Chief Executive David Robertson said: “On behalf of Scottish Borders Council I would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences following the tragic death of Elizabeth following a road traffic collision.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and neighbours at this time.
“The Council is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations into the circumstances of this tragic incident. We are providing support to staff involved and support is also in place for pupils and staff at relevant schools.
“As police enquiries are ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0574 of Wednesday, January 31st, 2024.