Schoolgirl is now ‘stable’says hospital

Courtney was in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital but yesterday (Thursday) the hospital told the Star her condition had improved. She is now stable.

The accident happened at around 9.45pm at the Ballymacash Road junction.

Area Commander, Chief Inspector John Wilson said, “Police received a report that a 12-year-old girl had been struck by a car. She has been taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries which are believed to be serious. The driver of the vehicle is uninjured.

“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has any information to contact police at Lisburn.”

In a statement to the Star, Laurelhill principal James Martin said, “The whole College wishes Courtney a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Courtney and her family at this time.”

Councillor Alexander Redpath said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young girl at this very difficult time. I’m sure the entire community is thinking of the family and hoping for a speedy recovery.

“I would like to repeat the call by the PSNI for any witnesses to come forward as soon as possible so that the information needed about this incident can be gathered.”

Many took to social media to express their views.

“Thoughts are with family and friends. Hoping she has a speedy recovery.”

Another said: “Thinking of this family and their little girl, God be with them through this difficult time.”

Davey Morrow said, “I live on PWR so much traffic these days. So sorry for this wee girl. All prayers to the family for a fast safe recovery.”

Carol Macgregor and Dennis Donald said, “Praying for a speedy recovery x”

The girls aunt posted on Facebook said, “We have been up at hospital all night they have (her) in a induced coma to monitor swelling to her brain and also a probe in her head. She has serious head injuries.

“Nothing can prepare you for what we seen in ICU, thank you for your kind words, very much needed.”

She added: “Want to thank everyone at the scene last night for fast response it means a lot to the family.”

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig described the accident as it was a “tragic accident” for everyone involved.

“I would like to offer the family my thoughts and prayers and those of the community. We will be thinking about them.”

He added: “We will look at any issues with the roads and speak to the local road services.

“It is a tragic accident that has affected the life of a young person.

“Prince William Road is an horrendously busy road. I would appeal to pedestrians to think twice when crossing the road and would encourage them to use the underpass.

“Obviously we do not know the circumstances into the accident but we in teh DUP would receive complaints about the Prince William Road.”

Mayor Andrew Ewing said, “Certainly the Prince William Road needs to be looked at. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

Eight years ago, a young school girl was knocked down and killed at the Prince William Road and the Laurelhill Road junction. The DRD later installed a pedestrian crossing.