Mother killed in sand yacht accident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A mother died after she was hit by a sand yacht in front of her two children on a public beach in a horrific collision at the weekend.
Carol Cruz, 38, from Burnley, had both her legs severed and her back broken when she was hit during a race on Lytham St Anne's beach near Blackpool in Lancashire at 1.50pm on Saturday.
Mrs Cruz and her sons, aged 14 and 12, who were not injured, are believed to have strayed on to the course for a race between a dozen of the wind-powered craft when the accident happened.
The beach was not closed for the race. Police were investigating whether the track had been correctly marked out and signposted.
A sand yacht – in effect a cross between a three-wheeled go-kart and a windsurfing board – can reach speeds of up to 70mph. Competitors lie back in their pods, inches off the ground, as they steer around a beach circuit.
Mrs Cruz, who died in hospital, was on a day trip with her children which coincided with a regatta organised by the 51-year-old Fylde International Sand Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Britain, which is based at St Anne's. A Lancashire police spokesman said: "The sand yacht was taking part in an organised event. It has been seized by the police for forensic examination."
The spokesman added that the coroner had been informed and a post-mortem examination would be carried out.
The Health and Safety Executive is expected to be asked to carry out an investigation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments