Urgent Update: Three Kids Hospitalized After Car Strikes in Belfast

BREAKING: Three children are in critical condition after being struck by a car while playing outside in the Black Ridge View housing development in Belfast yesterday afternoon. The accident, which occurred around 5 PM, has left the community in shock and raised urgent concerns over dangerous driving in the area.

Local authorities report that a 37-year-old man has been arrested following the incident. He is facing multiple charges, including driving with excess alcohol on his breath, causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, and failing to stop after the collision. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

The children, two girls and a boy, were immediately treated at the scene by three emergency ambulance crews and a Charity Air Ambulance before being transported to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Their conditions remain serious, prompting a wave of concern among families in the neighborhood.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, SDLP councillor Paul Doherty described the scene as “absolutely horrific,” emphasizing the trauma experienced by witnesses and the community. “This was quite a disturbing scene,” he said, referring to the rapid response from emergency services, including an air ambulance.

Doherty highlighted the ongoing fear among residents regarding reckless driving in the area, calling for immediate measures to enhance safety for children and pedestrians. “Every child should feel safe to play outside their home,” he stressed, urging local authorities to act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a call for witnesses. Officers are asking anyone with dash-cam or CCTV footage of the incident to come forward, quoting reference number 1201 24/08/25 when contacting the police at Woodbourne on 101.

The community is rallying together in the wake of this traumatic event, with families expressing their concerns about allowing children to play outside. “There’s a fear there of families with young children—can they let them go out onto the street?” Doherty lamented, emphasizing the urgent need for safer streets.

As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits a positive update on the injured children, while discussions on implementing traffic safety measures intensify. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by reckless driving and the pressing need to prioritize safety in residential areas.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.