Two pupils injured in separate Graz traffic accidents

Two pupils were injured in separate traffic accidents in Graz’s Lend district within minutes of each other on Thursday afternoon, ORF reported. A 14-year-old was hit by a tram, and an eight-year-old was struck by a police vehicle responding to the first crash.

The 14-year-old apparently ran across a pedestrian crossing against a red light to catch a tram home. The driver braked hard but could not avoid hitting him. The teenager was dragged several metres and suffered minor injuries.

A few minutes later, near the junction with Dreierschützengasse, an eight-year-old suddenly ran into the road, according to witnesses, and collided with the police vehicle. It was travelling to the tram crash with its blue lights and siren on.

The boy was taken to the paediatric surgery department at Graz University Hospital and must undergo an operation. Alcohol tests on those involved in both crashes were negative. Police investigations into the circumstances are continuing.