Investigation launched into Viridor RCV incident

Viridor has said it will conduct a full investigation into an incident involving one of its refuse collection vehicles in Oldham on Friday (August 27) which left a child badly injured.

Police were called to an incident shortly after 1pm at Huddersfield Road in Denshaw, at its junction with Rippendon Road, following reports of a collision.

The vehicle, according to the police report, collided with two year-old Thomas Wilshaw, who was in his pram. The boy suffered head injuries as a result and was taken to Oldham Royal Hospital before being transferred to Manchester Children's Hospital.

The toddler was placed in intensive care having undergone surgery and remains in a critical condition. A police spokesman told letsrecycle.com today (August 31) that there had been no change in his condition over the weekend.

The police also said that the driver of the vehicle had not been arrested. The Health and Safety Executive (SE) said it was not involved in the investigation of the incident, with it being treated as a road traffic accident rather than a works accident.

Viridor

A statement released by Taunton-based Viridor confirmed that one of the company's refuse collection vehicles had been involved in an incident in Oldham on Friday.

A company spokeswoman said: “The incident is being dealt with by local police. The child has been taken to hospital we have no further details at this stage.

“Our thoughts are with those involved and with their families. Viridor will of course conduct a full investigation and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.”

The parents of the toddler issued a statement via the Greater Manchester Police website thanking family and friends for their support.

Thomas' mother Laura Wood, 20, and father Ben Wilshaw, 24, said: “There have been some very kind messages from friends and members of the public and we thank them for that. We would ask that people please respect our privacy in these difficult times.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact the road policing unit on 0161 856 8473.