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Motorcyclist left in road with severed leg by hit-run van driver
Rob Singh, Evening Standard14.10.08
A MOTORCYCLIST today told how he was left dying by two van drivers after losing his leg in a hit-and-run accident.
City worker Kwasi Bonsu was thrown from his black Kawasaki 600cc after he was forced to avoid a van which had swerved into his lane.
The bank analyst crashed into a sign post with such an impact that it severed his right leg, below the knee, which was later found farther up the road.
As Mr Bonsu lay bleeding heavily on the pavement another van became caught up in the motorcycle wreckage on the A13, near Plaistow.
But rather than help Mr Bonsu, the driver and passenger simply moved the motorbike from underneath the vehicle and drove off. Mr Bonsu was saved after a tractor driver pulled over to call 999 and a woman passer-by stopped him from passing out.
Paramedics were forced to amputate his right leg from above the knee at the scene, and he suffered multiple fractures to his left leg. He was revived in hospital and underwent nine hours of surgery. The graduate, who has a Masters degree in Industrial Mathematical Modelling, has had a further 14 operations and is due to have three more.
Recalling the moments before the accident, Mr Bonsu said his speed was no more than 40mph as he travelled on the A13 and prepared to come off at a slip road near his home in Plaistow. He said: "It was an open road and I wanted to turn into the street near my house. For whatever reason the van came into my lane and jumped on the brakes. I came off my bike.
"The next thing I remember was a lady telling me to 'keep your eyes open'. I must have looked sleepy. I don't know who came to my aid but I would love to thank them for what they did."
The keen sportsman has been helped through his ordeal by his family and his Christian faith. He faces up to eight months' rehabilitation and physiotherapy before a prosthetic leg can be fitted. He said: "I am glad to be alive but I am now missing a major part of my life. I am determined to walk again. I have to be determined to get back out there and hopefully to do the things I want to do. I have had eight weeks to think about my future and it is a long way ahead before I can walk again."
Mr Bonsu says he has forgiven the van driver. He said: "I can't see how holding a grudge is going to bring my leg back. But I was surprised that so few people stopped, although they may have not realised the severity of the accident."
Dc Tom Parker of the Met's collision investigation unit appealed for the public's help to trace the driver of the blue panel van and the driver and passenger of the white van.
Police have tracked the blue van to where it left the A13 at the Prince Regent Lane junction. Any other witnesses who may have been on the A13 or New Barn Street on Thursday 21 August at about 3.10pm is asked to contact the unit on 020 7230 3908 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reader views (7)
The callousness of people today is illustrated and accentuated by the reader 'Al East', who seems more interested in criticising the quality of the reporting language rather than the fate of the poor and obviously courageous man, victim of this tragic accident.
- John Kinsella, Paris France
It is not sloppy journalism AL EAST, becasue he was dying at the scene and he was brought back to live by medics. This happened in august
- Aa, London
Very sloppy journalism. How is a man left "dying" telling his tale? Surely he was left "severely injured and in danger of dying"?
- Al East, Reading, UK
dear/sir/madam/just like help full people in good old England not like people years a go they would have helpted this poor man i was brought up to help people not like to day mind you it is a different generion yours sincerley
- Graham Gomersall Freeman, hull yorkshire
Not sure Ad, but I have done a St John's Ambulance course and they tell you, you should always keep talking to the patient and try and keep them concious. I think it indicates their well-being and brain function i.e. if they have awareness of who they are, their surroundings and most importantly reassurance that they are going to be ok, they are more likely to keep up their strength. I also guess if they fall into sleep or unconciousness, their blood pressure drops and muscles relax and its easier for their body to slip into a coma.
- Jc, London
you've got to be some monster from the bowels of Hell to move the bike and not look around for a potential victim. I am assuming these people didn't see Mr Bonsu.
- Squiz, Islington
Can someone with medical experience tell me why it is important not to let a victim pass out? I have heard a lot of cases where medical workers do not let victims fall into unconsiousness or sleep
- Ad, London
