Crash tragedy stuns Carluke

May 15 2008

A FREAK car crash which claimed the life of a five-year-old boy has stunned Carluke.

Little Ben Hastie died after his father's car struck a stray cow on the A73 at Newmains early on Saturday morning.

Ben, from Hillfoot Terrace, had been looking forward to spending the day with dad Dougie, an HGV driver.

But as his father drove into Newmains in the early morning fog he encountered a stray cow. Although he swerved to avoid it, his Golf struck another cow, one of four on the main road.

Although Dougie vainly tried to revive his son at the scene, Ben was declared dead later in hospital.

His death has shocked people in the town, and his head teacher, Marjorie Maule of Crawforddyke Primary School, described Ben as a "talented and caring little boy."

"He was a very popular, well behaved and mannerly wee boy, and was held in high regard by his peers and all staff members," she said. Ms Maule added: "He showed care and concern for all others in his class and our school.

"He was a talented artist, with exceptional drawing skills for his age.

"Ben brightened up lunchtimes for many with his tales and beaming smile."

She concluded: "Ben will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for his happy smile and sunny personality."