Pensioner dies in road accident

An elderly woman died just yards from her home after being hit by a delivery van on a busy Aberdeen road last night.

Mary Findlay, who was due to celebrate her 90th birthday next week, was knocked down on the city’s Provost Rust Drive. She was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but died later.

Last night family members paid tribute to the pensioner, who was thought to be on her way to catch a bus when the accident happened.

Residents on the Northfield street described hearing a “thump” as the accident happened, close to North Anderson Drive, around 4.15pm.

A family member, who did not want to be named, said: “She was nearing 90, but she was still living in her own house with a big garden and she was still so active and full of life.

“She used to go into town with her daughter on the bus all the time, that is why she was there at the time.

“It’s just that road – it can be so dangerous.”

Mrs Findlay’s next-door-neighbour Fred Brew said: “I didn’t see what happened, but I heard a thump. I just thought it was two cars, but when I got to the door I realised my neighbour was lying in the road.

“I think she was waiting at the bus stop when her daughter arrived home. Perhaps she decided to come back across to speak to her but was knocked down.”

Mr Brew said Mrs Findlay was a keen bingo fan, and enjoyed going out with her daughter, Jennifer Knowles, who also lives on Provost Rust Drive with her family.

It is understood that the van driver was not injured and has been questioned by police.

A spokesman for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “The crew arrived on scene following reports than an elderly female had been knocked down by a van on Provost Rust Drive. The patient was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and arrived just before 4.50pm.”

Police completed an accident investigation and the road reopened just before 10pm.

Earlier this year, a 25-year-old woman received serious injuries after being hit by a car just yards from where yesterday’s accident took place.