In January 2022, a devastating ambulance crash on the A21 near Sevenoaks resulted in the tragic death of a young paramedic, Alice Clark, due to the careless driving of her colleague. Alice, a 21-year-old newly qualified paramedic, had been serving in her role for only two months when the fatal accident occurred.
Edward Riding, 45, the ambulance driver, has admitted guilt in causing Alice’s death through careless driving. The incident took place while they were on an emergency call. Living in Kemps Farm Road, Crowborough, Riding was driving the ambulance when a diversion led to a critical error and collision with a kerb, causing the ambulance to swerve uncontrollably and leading to the tragedy.
Alice, who was from Newington near Sittingbourne, had recently realised her lifelong ambition of becoming a paramedic, graduating from the University of Greenwich in July 2021. She had joined the South East Coast Ambulance Service shortly before the accident, showing a profound dedication to her calling.
During the crash, the ambulance was carrying three paramedics and was not in the process of transporting a patient. Riding, who was severely injured in the crash, was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London for treatment.
Riding is now facing an interim driving ban until his sentencing on April 17, with bail conditions set as probation officers prepare a report.
Following the incident, Alice’s colleagues honored her memory, describing her as a “beautiful and kind” paramedic, and paying tribute during her funeral procession. Megan Kuhn, a student paramedic who was also in the ambulance, sustained head injuries. The driver of a cement lorry involved in the accident had minor injuries. The road was closed for several hours for investigation.
Speaking about their daughter, Alice’s parents said: “Alice was so excited to qualify as a paramedic and looked forward to every shift. She was a beautiful, kind, fun-loving daughter, sister, and granddaughter. She loved to travel and anyone who met her loved her. She will be missed more than words can say by family and friends. We would ask for privacy at this very sad and tragic time for us.”.
Photo Credit www.uknip.co.uk
