Insights

On a day in Greater Manchester, a tragic incident occurred at a Tim Hortons drive-thru when a 12-year-old girl was struck by a van driven by Haider Ali, 27. The driver, unaware of the collision, continued to drive approximately 100 feet, mistakenly believing he had run over a traffic cone. It was only when a bystander alerted him that he realized the severity of the situation, as the girl emerged from beneath the vehicle and lay motionless on the ground. The girl sustained life-changing injuries, prompting immediate police involvement. During the investigation, Ali expressed his shock and remorse, stating he did not see the child cross the road prior to the incident. He acknowledged that a competent driver should have stopped to check after feeling the van bounce, which he attributed to running over a cone. Ali, who works as an engineer fitting internet services, was driving his work van at the time of the accident. His actions raised serious concerns about driver awareness and responsibility, especially in busy areas like drive-thrus where pedestrians may be present. The incident has left a lasting impact on both the victim and the driver, with Ali reportedly worried about the girl's condition following the accident. This case highlights the critical importance of vigilance while driving, particularly in locations where children may be present. The consequences of such negligence can be devastating, as evidenced by the girl's injuries and the emotional toll on the driver involved.