Fatal Sheffield bus crash petition triggers council debate

Summer Lee Seymour, aged 15, died and her 17-year-old boyfriend Jake Ford was seriously injured in the collision with a bus on Haymarket, at the junction with Castle Street in Sheffield city centre, on Friday, December 11.

More than 7,600 people have now signed an online petition – including Summer’s mother Corrina, sister Cortney and Jake’s father Scott – calling on Sheffield Council to install traffic lights and a crossing at the junction of Castle Street, Waingate and Haymarket.

The petition was set up by bus driver Melissa Hewitt, who said the area had been ‘an accident waiting to happen’ for years, and has now triggered a debate at the town hall after attracting the 5,000 signatures needed.

Melissa, aged 28, said: “Thank you so much, the target is now reached, but even more than the target amount needed is brilliant.

“I can’t thank everyone enough. The debate will now go ahead.”

The council debate is due to take place in February.

Dozens of flowers, cuddly toys and balloons paying tribute to Summer have been left at the scene of the collision, which occurred at 4.45pm.

Jake was left fighting for his life following the accident, but his condition is slowly improving and he remains in a stable condition in hospital.

The council said calls for safety improvements will be discussed at a meeting on February 3 to allow for the investigation into the collision to be completed.

Coun Terry Fox, the council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We were very sad to hear about the tragic accident that took place.

“We are co-operating with the police investigation into this accident, but until the outcome of this investigation has been completed, it would be premature to announce any changes that could be introduced in that area of the city centre.”

South Yorkshire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

n Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 823 of December 11.

n To sign the petition visit www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-install-crossing-at-the-junctions-where-castle-st-waingate-amp-haymarket-join-for-summer