A MOTHER has been killed after she was struck by a lorry today in an horrific accident in which her child miraculously survived.

The woman, in her twenties, was pushing the young child in a pram across Basingstoke Road when the vehicle collided into them opposite the Whitley Morrisons.

According to South Central Ambulance Service, the baby was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital with head injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

Witnesses of the crash described seeing blood on the ground and paramedics tending to the baby.

A male bystander, who wished to remain nameless, told the Chronicle: "I stopped and started to go over but it just happened so quickly.

"Some of us went around there to help but there was just blood everywhere and she was obviously dead because of what happened."

Reading Chronicle:

Police officers raised tarpaulins and parked vehicles to obscure the scene of the crash

The collision took place at around midday and saw police officers close off the surrounding roads while tarpaulins were raised around the blue-sided trailer.

The bystander said both the lorry and woman appeared to be going at "normal speeds" when the accident happened.

He added: "I just felt hopeless.

"One minute you are out there taking your kid for a coffee or whatever and then that is it.

"I don't know if she has a partner or anything but someone has to got tell them what happened - in a flash that is it, a life has changed."

Neighbours and shoppers stood in shock as officers cordoned off the roads surrounding the junction at Buckland Road while scores of emergency services vehicles lined the sunny streets.

Lokendra Dhakal, owner of the nearby laundrette, said: "I did not see the accident but I was working inside and someone came and told me that someone had died, then I rushed out."

Another added: "There is a juggernaut facing south on Basingstoke Road.

"They have put the skirting down so you can't see the wheels.

"They are putting green tarpaulin over the area so people can't see anything."

Thames Valley Police has advised motorists to avoid the area around Basingstoke Road due to road closures at the scene.

A force spokesman said: "A woman in her twenties has died following the collision and a baby was also involved and has been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"Her next of kin have been informed.

"No one has been arrested at the moment but there will be a full collision investigation.

"The driver of the lorry remained at the scene and has been spoken to by officers."