UPDATE: Elderly woman’s leg amputated after Knaresborough crash

Rose Smiles, 94, who was hit by a car on the High Street on Wednesday September 16, is undergoing a second major operation.

Family members have flown from as far as Minnesota to see Rose who could potentially face a double leg amputation after the incident.

Rose’s daughter, Maggie Maltby said: “On Wednesday they had to amputate her left leg from below the knee and now they are looking at the possibility of further amputation.

“If she gets through this it will be amazing.

They might well have to amputate most of her other leg. It was far from being just a broken leg, it’s a huge trauma to her lower body.”

Police, road ambulances and the air ambulance as well as the collision investigation unit all attended the scene.

Rose was taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary shortly after 4pm.

The collision involved a burnt orange Vauxhall 4x4 vehicle driven by a 38-year-old man, who was uninjured.

Maggie was the first family member to receive a call from the police about her mother.

She said: “I was called at about 6 o’clock on Wednesday. I live in Knaresborough but I was in Harrogate.

“My daughter had just got back from work and she actually said to me there’s been a big accident in Knaresborough so she was warning me about the traffic when I went home.

“We both looked at each other thinking it won’t be mum but then ten minutes later my phone rang so I knew then that it was mum.”

Before the traumatic events on Wednesday, Maggie said her mum was completely independent despite her age.

Ms Maltby said: “People will see 94-year-old woman and think ‘well she’s had a good life’ but up until now she has walked up to Knaresborough High Street to get her shopping every morning by herself.

“She’s a very independent lady she does everything for herself just living a full and happy life with all this family.

“Mum has got a fantastic family and she’s got friends as well who are concerned.

“Most people in Knaresborough know her, she’s a bit of a character really.

“She’s got 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren - she has a lot of support and lots of people rooting for her.”

A police investigation is ongoing and police have appealed for witnesses of the incident to come forward with any information.

Anyone who can assist with the investigation, is asked to dial 101, selection option 2 and ask to speak to Charles Ferguson or Harrogate Roads Policing Group.

Alternatively you can email [email protected]

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