Marlon Bhagwandeen, a father and school manager from Birmingham, was left battered and abandoned after being struck by a car in Hall Green. On the evening of Tuesday, January 27, just before 5pm, Marlon was crossing the road at the busy junction of Brooklands Road and School Road when a black Vauxhall Insignia, reportedly traveling at speed, collided with him.
Marlon describes the incident as a blur but recalls being thrown onto the vehicle’s bonnet and then to the ground. Though the driver initially stopped, he refused to offer meaningful help. Instead, the motorist tried to pull Marlon up despite clear warnings from bystanders that he might be seriously injured. The driver pleaded, “Please don’t make any insurance claims, I have kids,” before fleeing the scene after only a brief two-minute pause.
Marlon was left lying in a drain filled with filthy, freezing water, feeling “like a stray dog.” Passersby quickly gathered to assist, offering blankets and contacting emergency services. Despite repeated attempts, paramedics took over two hours to arrive, during which Marlon remained immobile due to a suspected fracture. Off-duty medical staff from the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital were among those who provided crucial first aid.
He spoke highly of the paramedics who finally arrived, noting their professionalism and care. Marlon was transported to Heartlands Hospital with injuries including severe shoulder pain and possible fractures, forcing him to take time off work. Sleep has been elusive since the trauma, haunted by memories of that cold, muddy scene.
Marlon condemned the driver’s actions as “outrageously despicable” and expressed frustration with the lack of updates from West Midlands Police. Although dashcam footage reportedly exists, the registered keeper of the car has been cleared as not the driver. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
He also called attention to the dangerous driving conditions in Birmingham, noting another recent hit-and-run nearby with even more severe injuries. The local ambulance service acknowledged the long wait time, citing hospital handover delays as a significant challenge and apologizing for the experience Marlon endured.
West Midlands Police confirmed the incident is under investigation, urging witnesses to provide any information to help identify the driver who fled. Marlon’s ordeal highlights both the risks pedestrians face and the need for improved road safety and emergency response in the area.