Crash helper's devastation as 79-year-old victim dies

A WOMAN who came to the aid of a Swansea pedestrian involved in a collision with a BMW said she was devastated to hear of his death.

Lynn Hill said she did what she could to help the 79-year-old man, named locally as Ghalib Saleh Abdullah, of Port Tennant, following the incident last Wednesday night.

South Wales Police confirmed on Saturday that Mr Abdullah had died, and are appealing for witnesses to what happened.

The incident took place at around 8.45pm on September 19 at or near the pedestrian crossing on Port Tennant Road, Port Tennant, close to the junction with Danygraig Road.

The car, which stopped following the collision, was a blue BMW estate.

Recalling the incident, Mrs Hill, of Danygraig Road, said: "We heard a thud. We looked out of the window.

"The chap was just lying on the floor. He had ended up by the railings. There was a lady and a couple of other people there."

Mrs Hill, who has had first aid training, said Mr Abdullah was close to being in the recovery position, except for his face, which was against the ground.

She said that when she got out to the spot where he lay, she gently turned his head and asked one of the bystanders to fetch a cloth so she could apply it to a wound.

"He was bleeding from a cut to his head, but he was conscious and wanted to get up," she said.

Mrs Hill said she kept talking to him and said he was able to tell her his name and address.

She stayed with him until a rapid response vehicle and then ambulance arrived at the scene. Mrs Hill added: "The (BMW) stopped a bit further down, and the police talked to the driver."

She said paramedics checked Mr Abdullah thoroughly and that, with assistance, he was able to get into the ambulance, which took him to Morriston Hospital.

Mrs Hill said she learned three days later that he had died.

"I'm devastated — absolutely devastated," she said.

Eastside shop workers said Mr Abdullah, of Port Tennant Road, was a friendly and well-known man.

A member of staff at Premier stores, Port Tennant Road, said: "He was a very nice man. He used to come in every day and buy The Sun."

A Spar shop worker said Mr Abdullah had lived in the area for years and that "everybody knew him".

St Thomas councillor Clive Lloyd said police had kept him appraised of developments.

"I am really sorry to hear the tragic news," said Mr Lloyd.

"On behalf of myself and my fellow councillor Joe Hale, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family on this sad occasion."

The Post approached Mr Abdullah's family but they were too upset to talk.

South Wales Police are investigating the collision and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. There is also a police sign at the site of the accident.

Phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk

01792 514620