Edinburgh labourer hit by dumper truck

A labourer was run over by an out of control dumper truck yesterday (Wednesday) near the Gogarburn Roundabout in Edinburgh.

The 29-year-old Fife man was rushed to hospital after suffering a crushed leg, pelvic injuries and acute blood loss.

Lothian and Borders Police have said that the unnamed man was attempting to start the dumper truck within a field at the rear of Old Gogarburn Church where contractor John Kennedy was repairing drains.

"He was trying to start the truck when it shot forward, running over his right leg and causing a serious injury. The man was lucky not to have been killed because the vehicle could easily have run over his chest or head," said a spokesman.

An ambulance service spokesman said the victim remained conscious and stable throughout his ordeal. However, he needed emergency life support from paramedics as he was rushed to hospital.

The spokesman said: "He was conscious and breathing but needed fluids to replace the blood that he had lost. He also had a crushed leg and pelvic injuries."