Crash teenager thanks helpers (From York Press)

Crash teenager Luke Rose thanks helpers

9:41am Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Selby & Tadcaster

Luke Rose with his dog, Tyson

A TEENAGER hit by a car after getting off a bus says he has never been so scared in his life.

Luke Rose, 18, was struck by a silver Toyota Yaris at the junction of Northfield and York Road in Barlby, at about 8.40pm last Wednesday.

Luke, who works as a promoter for York nightclub Society Lounge, thanked everyone who helped at the scene, including the bus driver, and said his cuts and bruises were healing. His mother, Alison Hopkins, also told of the drama after she ran to the scene.

Luke said: “I’ve never been so scared in my life, but it was really reassuring seeing my mum.

“I remember getting off the bus – it was raining quite a bit – and walking to the front then running out past the front of the bus. I didn’t see the car. Then I remember going through the air and being in a lot of pain.”

Mrs Hopkins said: “A girl getting off the bus with her mum heard a bang and saw Luke on the floor. He was conscious and gave them our phone number.

“I was off work and ran round the corner to find him.

“People around were very quick-thinking. Someone went and got a big plastic tarpaulin to put on top of him, which kept him clean and dry and kept him out of shock, and someone else get blankets which kept him warm.”

Mrs Hopkins, a nurse, said: “The driver was only doing 15 or 20 miles per hour, so in essence, she saved his life. Luke jumped up at the last minute, and hit the windscreen rather than the front of the car. It smashed, so that was softer then hitting the car itself.”

Alison has since visited Christine Marshall, the Yaris driver, with a card from Luke apologising for causing her distress. She said: “She was awfully upset and worried about him and what happened. I really feel for her, it must be horrible.”

Mrs Marshall, who lives in Riccall, said: “I thought if anything like that ever happened to me, I would cry.

“I just moved the car out of the way into a layby and saw Luke on the footpath, then went over to see how he was.

“It felt like it was happening to someone else. It wasn’t until Alison came round with a card and a box of chocolates that I actually cried. We just had a little hug and tears. I was so worried about him, and I’m really glad he’s all right.”