Waterloo Road crash: Five arrested after woman killed in Smethwick collision
Victim was a teacher at a temple in Smethwick and was well-known in the community
A woman was killed after being struck by a taxi as she tried to get into her parked car in Smethwick.
Police say the 68-year-old woman, named locally as Surinder Kaur Saund, was getting into her car when a Mercedes and taxi collided.
Officers believe a Mercedes car overtook and collided with a taxi which were both travelling on the side of the road where her car was parked.
She was hit by the taxi and died at the scene., The crash happened just before 10pm on Wednesday
Emergency services were called to Waterloo Road, close to the junction with Sycamore Road.
It is believed the victim had been close to Gurdwara Nanaksar when she was hit.
Bystanders rushed to help her but she was confirmed dead at the roadside.
People at the temple said the victim was a teacher there and was well-known in the community.
The driver of the taxi remained at the scene and is co-operating with the police investigation.
The Mercedes initially stopped further up the road but then drove off.
Officers detained five men a short distance from the scene.
The men aged between 20 and 30 remain in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to speak to anyone that witnessed the incident or who has any information on what happened.
“Officers from our dedicated Family Liaison Team are currently supporting the family at this tragic time and I would urge anyone who can help us piece together the moments before this mother and wife lost her life, to get in touch as soon as possible.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “On arrival, ambulance staff found bystanders trying to assist the woman.
“Crews and the doctor performed advanced life support, but sadly it was not possible to save her, and she was confirmed dead at the scene.
“There were no other injuries.”
Rizwan Jalil, who is the Black Country governor for the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Trust, was among those to see the aftermath of the crash.
He said: "It is very sad that we have lost a innocent life in such a tragic collision.
"My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the women killed.
"My message to the community is that we need to work together on building a plan to have safer roads."
Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT Trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene attended following a number of 999 calls.
Inquiries continue and anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am – midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote log number 2768 of 3 October.
