A schoolgirl is lucky to be alive after being hit by a car then dragged along the road under a bus in a horrifying incident captured on CCTV.
The 12-year-old, who cannot be named, was left with a fractured skull and broken collarbone as she rushed to cross Rochester Road in Gravesend, Kent.
But incredibly police say she is awake and talking, but must spend a few more weeks recovering in Kings College Hospital in London.
Safety campaigners say the video should serve as a warning to others, as the girl ran across traffic through a gap between parked cars.
The video was from a local business and released to the press, capturing her crossing Rochester Road in Gravesend towards a parade of shops when she was knocked into the path of the Arriva 480 bus during the busy school run.
A schoolboy is seen dashing out of K's Convenience Store, where the footage is shot, and desperately trying to find the girl who became wedged under the bus and dragged along for about five metres.
Emergency services were called to Rochester Road - between Empress Road and Old Road East - at 8.15am last Wednesday.
Firefighters used air bags to release the young girl before she was rushed to casualty.
Kevin Clinton, head of road safety for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: 'In very busy areas like this, it is really important for everyone to be concentrating and to be patient. Pedestrians should take their time and find a safe place to cross the road.
'It is even more important for drivers to be aware that pedestrians, especially children, may well make mistakes and drivers need to anticipate that and in particular, watch their speed.'
The Green Cross Code says: 'Try to avoid crossing between parked cars. Move to a space where drivers and riders can see you clearly.'
Kent Police officers shut Rochester Road Milton Road and East Milton Road at the junction with Rochester Road.
