Teen killed on his first day of uni in road accident as police seek witnesses

27 September 2023 , 09:40

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Student Juan Pablo was tragically killed on his first day of university (Image: Liverpool echo)

An 18-year-old was killed hours into his first day at university following a horror road accident in a busy city centre.

Bright student Juan Pablo was knocked down and killed after being struck by a van in Liverpool on the same day he started his urban planning degree. Police have appealed for witnessed to come forward following the crash on Monday September 18.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports that a vehicle had hit the teenager. Paramedics carried out treatment but Juan, who was studying at the University of Liverpool, died at the scene. In a tribute, his family said: "Our son Juan Pablo Hernández Lima, died in a road traffic collision on September 18.

"He was only 18 years old and it was his first day at the University of Liverpool, where he was about to study urban planning. Juan was born in Cuba, but also had Mexican and American nationality. He felt like a citizen of the world. Furthermore, he loved the UK. He will be sadly missed by all his family."

Detective sergeant Kurt Timpson, lead investigating officer for the MATRIX serious collision investigation unit said: "My thoughts and those of my team remain with Juan’s family at this very sad time. I have met with his mother and father following their arrival in the UK from Mexico and they continue to be supported by specially trained Police Officers.

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"They are grateful for the help of the local community, here in Liverpool, those who helped at the roadside and for the work of the emergency services. An investigation is ongoing and I would ask that if you were in the area at the time, to please review your CCTV or dashcam in case the incident was captured. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help us with our ongoing enquiries."

Juan Pablo was knocked down by a van on Hatton Garden, near its junction with Dale Street. Anyone with information is asked to contact Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email [email protected], or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000898687.

Sam Elliott-Gibbs