CALGARY – An eight-year-old boy was rushed to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition after being struck by a pickup truck in the southeast community of Cranston on Thursday.
It happened at around 5 p.m. along Cranford Drive at Cranston Gate S.E.
Investigators said a northbound Nissan Frontier hit the boy as he and another child crossed the road.
“He and another girl that was just a little bit older than him both ran across the road,” Staff Sgt. Paul Stacey with the Calgary Police Service traffic unit said.
Police said the 27-year-old driver attempted to brake but was unable to stop in time.
“According to witnesses, there was no opportunity for the driver of the pickup truck to stop.”
Police said the boy was taken by to the nearby South Health Campus with severe head and brain injuries. He was later transferred by STARS air ambulance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The driver stayed at the scene and was interviewed by police.
“Kids are kids, and they will run out in front of vehicles,” Stacey added.
Neither speed or alcohol are thought to be factors in the collision.
Kim Kaminsky said he covered the boy with a blanket.
“Obviously you want to keep them warm,” he said. “I took a blanket out and I’m hoping he’s okay.”
Kaminsky said the woman in the truck wasn’t driving very quickly and appeared to be in shock following the collision.
At least one area resident said the area can be unsafe for pedestrians.
“Some people are flying down here pretty good,” Bryan Brankojambrosic said. “Some of the residents have been talking we need to do something to slow traffic down and do something about parking so there’s some visibility coming out of the driveways.”
Police said the intersection isn’t one that’s on their radar.
“Even if it were a notorious intersection, the circumstances of the crash tonight don’t really indicate a dangerous intersection,” Stacey said. “I mean that can happen anywhere in the city where there’s kids.”
With files from Jill Croteau and Melissa Ramsay
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