Man hit by tradie van while sunbaking on grass near Coogee beach

An 18-year-old man sunbaking on the grassy area near Coogee beach has been rushed to hospital after being struck by a van.

Goldstein Reserve, where sunbathers reguarly enjoy the sun.

A man has been rushed to hospital with head injuries after being hit by a van while sunbaking near Coogee Beach.

The 18-year-old male was lying on the grass at Goldstein Reserve when he was allegedly hit by a plumber’s van just before midday.

Police said the plumber was a contractor for Randwick Council and was repairing the toilets near Arden St. When the van drove off he hit the boy who was sunbathing nearby.

Emergency services were called to the reserve where they treated the Armidale man, before taking him to St Vincent’s Hospital with head and abdominal injuries.

The man has since been released from hospital.

Police said the 44-year-old driver of the van assisted with the investigation which has now been closed.

Goldstein Reserve, where sunbathers reguarly enjoy the sun.

Tegan Hope of Little Bay was at Coogee and questioned why the van was allowed on the reserve.

“That van should definitely not be allowed there, especially if young kids are running around,” she said.

Cooge’s Hilton Thomas said only emergency vehicles should have access to the grass.

“It’s absolutely devastating. You don’t expect that to happen down here at Coogee,” he said.

“This area is a relaxed place to be.”