A woman who was killed when she was hit by a lorry on one of Aberdeen’s busiest streets had been on her way to volunteer at a charity shop when the tragic accident happened.
Karen Gillanders was walking in King Street on Monday morning when she was struck by the white truck near a pedestrian crossing.
Last night, it emerged that she was en-route to the Marie Curie charity shop in Chapel Street – where she often volunteered – to start her shift.
A spokesman for the charity declined to comment, but a colleague described her online as a “dear friend” who would be sadly missed.
The accident happened at around 9.15pm in front of Aberdeen University’s King’s Lawn, across the street from the Old Machar medical practice.
Police are appealing for witnesses and have placed information placards at the scene to jog people’s memories.
Yesterday, officers urged anyone who saw anything to get in touch, adding it may be some time before formal identification takes place.
A spokeswoman for the force said: “Inquiries are still on-going.”
It is understood she had been visiting the Old Machar medical practice, and was hit when she crossed the road.
One student, who passed the accident just moments after it happened as he headed to an exam at the university, said what he saw would “stay with him forever”.
“The driver was just standing there with his hands over his head,” he said.
“He was in complete shock.”
Tributes have flooded social networking sites for Ms Gillanders, who was in her 40s and lived in Aberdeen.
Emma Wilson said: “Heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and friends. So, so sad.”
Sheena Findlay added: “I feel for the families involved. There are far too many people being killed or badly injured on our roads.”
Dianne Sangster said: “A lovely lady gone. My heart felt sympathy.”
Councillor for the King Street area, Jim Noble, said the whole community had been left shocked by the incident.
“It’s just devastating,” he said.
“It would have been a busy time on King Street and very distressing for a lot of people.”