A 12-year-old girl's arm was ripped off when a passing train hit her at a high speed level crossing on Tyneside.
Rebecca Huitson's arm had to be retrieved from the track after she was hit at Killingworth late afternoon on Monday, according to the British Transport Police. The incident involved the 17:00 Edinburgh to London King’s Cross train, travelling at 110mph.
A spokesman for the British Transport Police said the girl had been with three friends when she suffered a "glancing blow" from the train. He added, "She was conscious, but had suffered a severe arm injury to her left arm, which had resulted in the severing of the limb.”
Surgeons were today continuing their battle to save her arm. The first operation is said to have been successful, and Rebecca is scheduled for another one later today.
Her parents, Julie and Lee Huitson, have kept a vigil by her bedside since she was admitted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary on Monday night.
Rebecca’s fellow students were said to be shocked by the news and were being offered counselling services. Alison Shaw, college principal, said: “We can confirm that one of our pupils was injured in this deeply distressing incident. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this very difficult time.”