Man seriously injured in JCB accident on South Tyneside estate

Digger accident, off St Aloysius View Hebburn Riverside

The man was injured at Riverside Village, off Station Road in Hebburn, at about 11.42am today.

The Great North Air Ambulance landed on Riverside Field and the victim was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) with 'serious injuries' say police.

The Great North Air Ambulance was called to the scene.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched an investigation into the incident.

A retired nurse told the Gazette how she ran over to the scene of the accident to try an help and comforted the injured man.

The woman, who didn't want to be named, said: "I just heard the crying so I knew someone was hurt. It was about 11am, I ran straight over to see if I could help. The site manager had already phoned for an ambulance, so I just stayed to give the man some reassurance until the ambulance came then I left."

Another resident added: "I heard screams but had no idea what was going on. Then I heard the helicopter. That's as much as I know. I hope the man is ok."

Police are at the scene of the accident off Station Road, Hebburn.

Offiers from Northumbria Police remain at the scene.

A spokesman added: "Police were called the Riverside development off Station Road, at 11.42am today after reports of a collision

"Officers attended the scene and found a man had injuries from a JCB from within the confounds of the development - suffering serious injuries.

"He was taken to Newcastle's RVI by air ambulance. The health and safety executive has been notified."

A HSE spokesman said: “We are aware of the incident and inspectors have visited the site today.

“An investigation is now under way.”