Police in Birmingham are urgently searching for a driver who fled the scene after a fatal collision on a busy city road, which left one pedestrian dead and another seriously injured.
Details of the Soho Road Collision
The incident occurred on Soho Road in Handsworth, at the junction near Whitehall Road, at approximately 11:20 am on Tuesday, December 16. A Vauxhall Corsa struck two pedestrians before the driver made off from the location.
A male pedestrian, believed to be in his 50s, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene. He has not yet been formally identified by authorities. A woman pedestrian, in her 40s, sustained significant leg injuries and was transported under emergency conditions to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she remains.
Emergency Response and Witness Account
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics arrived to find the man in a critical condition. Despite administering advanced life support, he could not be saved. The woman received treatment for serious injuries before being rushed to hospital.
A witness working at a nearby dental surgery described the chaotic aftermath. "I was standing by the door and I saw the car speeding past. It was a grey Corsa," she said. "When I looked up, I saw a man in the road. I ran to see what was happening. An undercover police car was there within 30 seconds and they got out and did CPR... It’s shocking."
Community and Political Reaction
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Handsworth community. Local road safety activist Shuranjeet Singh, who lives close to Soho Road, stated: "It’s horrible to hear of another death on Soho Road caused by dangerous driving. Our roads need to be safer for all who use them as road crime can ruin communities."
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker issued a heartfelt statement: "My heart goes out to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy on our roads. A family is facing the unbearable reality that someone they love is gone... To the person responsible, there is one clear message. Do the right thing and hand yourself in immediately."
Ongoing Police Investigation
West Midlands Police have confirmed that the vehicle, a Vauxhall Corsa, was found close to the scene. Specially-trained officers are supporting the family of the deceased man. The force's investigation is actively focused on locating the driver who failed to stop.
Police are appealing for any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam, mobile phone footage, or information about the incident to come forward. Anyone who can assist is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 1819 of December 16.
