A heartbreaking tragedy occurred on the evening of February 1, 2025, when a brother and sister were killed in a hit-and-run accident in Pitsea, near Basildon, Essex.
Roman Casselden, 16, and his nine-year-old sister Darcie were riding an e-scooter when they were struck by a car that fled the scene.
The collision happened around 6:25 p.m. on a road that locals have long labeled an accident blackspot due to frequent traffic issues.
Emergency Response and Community Efforts
In the aftermath of the crash, members of the public rushed to help Roman and Darcie, doing their best to save them before paramedics arrived.
Sadly, despite the valiant efforts of bystanders, both children succumbed to their injuries.
The Essex Police were quick to arrest a man and a woman, both in their twenties, on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene.
The pair remain in custody as investigations continue.
Local Grief and Floral Tributes
The local community has been left in shock and mourning, with floral tributes and toys being left at the scene.
Roman and Darcie’s mother, Emma Keeling, was seen visiting the site with her partner, while their father, Alec Casselden, expressed his heartbreak on social media.
Heartfelt messages from the community flooded in, with one tribute reading, “Heaven’s gained two precious angels,” and others remembering Roman as “a lovely caring person” and expressing sorrow over the young lives lost too soon.
A Growing Concern Over E-Scooter Accidents
The tragic accident comes just days after Basildon Council voted to discontinue the trial of e-scooter rentals in the area.
Local authorities had raised concerns over the rising number of accidents involving e-scooters, and the council’s decision to end the trial was seen as a response to the growing safety risks.
While it is not yet confirmed whether the e-scooter involved in the accident was part of the trial or a private one, the incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations on electric scooters in the region.
Appeal for Information and Ongoing Investigation
Essex Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, particularly if they have CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage.
Detective Sergeant Sam Nason, leading the investigation, has emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of the families affected and urged the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, mourning the loss of two young lives in a senseless accident.
The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about traffic safety, the risks of e-scooters, and the urgent need for more effective measures to prevent further fatalities.
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