Other children witnessed horror crash which killed 12-year-old boy

Several children witnessed the moment a 12-year-old boy was hit by a car outside Cosgrove High School on Friday afternoon, by a driver who was leaving school grounds.

The scene of the crash at Glenorchy which claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Updated: Several children witnessed the moment a 12-year-old boy was hit by a car outside Cosgrove High School on Friday afternoon, by a driver who was exiting school grounds.

Police believe the Cosgrove High student had just finished school for the day and was about to go home, when the incident occurred

“There was a group of children walking down the footpath and someone was driving out of Cosgrove High, where a collision occurred on Main Rd,” Tasmania Police Inspector Jon Cooper said.

Tasmania Police Inspector Jon Cooper. Image: The Mercury

“That occurred directly in front of other students … [This is] very distressing for all those concerned, there were a lot of people in the area at the time.

“We’re still piecing everything together, it was a very difficult scene, the emergency respondents worked frantically to try and save the young boy’s life.”

Police could not confirm how old the driver was, or whether it was a parent, teacher or student behind the wheel.

“The driver is very deeply shocked and concerned and they have been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for mandatory testing,” he said.

Police have spoken to the parents of the boy.

“They are absolutely devastated,” Inspector Cooper said.

“Any incident like this is devastating for all those concerned, especially family, friends, colleagues and all the emergency services workers that attend these incidents.

“We will be offering counselling to all the emergency service workers involved, and I understand the school will be offering counselling to all the children involved.”

Roads were closed while police investigated the scene, but have since reopened.

Earlier: A 12 year old boy has died after being hit by a vehicle near Cosgrove High School at Glenorchy on Friday afternoon.

Despite attempts by first responders to save him, the boy died at the scene on Main Rd Glenorchy about 3pm.

Police said the driver of the vehicle has been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for mandatory blood testing.

“Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones at this difficult time,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.

“Investigations into the crash are continuing, with forensics and crash investigators deployed to the scene.”

Police say Main Road, Glenorchy is expected to remain closed between Elwick Road and Lampton Ave for several hours while police carry out investigations.

Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444 or report to Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au