PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — An 11-year-old girl was seriously hurt after she was struck by a vehicle while walking to her bus stop in Port St. Lucie on Friday morning.
The child, who was walking by herself, was hurt near the intersection of Southwest Thornhill Drive at Southwest Gemini Lane at 8:50 a.m.
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Police said the girl was on a sidewalk and crossed the road, but wasn’t using a crosswalk.
The girl safely made it across the westbound traffic of Thornhill Drive but was struck by a Honda Civic that was heading eastbound, according to investigators.
During a news conference held just before noon, Officer Brittany Holly said when first responders arrived at the scene, the child was unconscious but breathing.
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Police said the 11-year-old was flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach in serious condition.
Holly said she did not know which school the child attends, but said the girl’s parents have been notified.
The driver stayed at the scene, provided aid to the injured child and is cooperating with the investigation.
With students returning to class this week, police urge drivers to be cognizant of the added traffic on the road and to obey all traffic signals.
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When the collision happened, Don Quinn, who lives nearby, said he noticed cars stopping along the side of the road and went outside to see what happened.
“The driver of the car that hit her did appear to be concerned,” Quinn said. “They got out of the car … trying to help.”
He said there a many children who live in the area and is concerned about the 40 mph speed limit on Thornhill Drive.
“I’m not sure that it could be prevented,” Quinn said. “It could be mitigated somewhat by reducing the speed limit to 35 mph.”
He said the road is busy throughout the day.
“On Thornhill there’s a lot of traffic, in the morning when they’re going to their buses and in the evening when they come home,” Quinn said.
Police said there are no crossing guards at this intersection.
