BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A one-year-old girl was killed and three other pedestrians were seriously injured Thursday evening after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Capital Avenue SW and East Burnham Street in Battle Creek.
Around 6:30 p.m. officers from the Battle Creek Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle-pedestrian crash at the intersection.
Their preliminary investigation shows four pedestrians were crossing Capital Avenue SW from west to east when they were struck by a northbound vehicle. Witnesses reported the traffic signal was red for northbound and southbound traffic when the pedestrians entered the crosswalk. As the group reached approximately the midpoint of the roadway, the signal changed from red to green.
According to witness statements, the pedestrians attempted to hurry across the roadway after the light changed, and a vehicle began accelerating north through the intersection, striking them.
The pedestrians, all Battle Creek residents, were a 30-year-old woman, a nine-year-old girl, a five-year-old girl, and a one-year-old girl. All four were transported by LifeCare Ambulance to Bronson Kalamazoo Hospital.
The one-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital. The woman remains in critical condition. Police say the other two girls sustained significant injuries but are expected to survive.
The driver, a 54-year-old Battle Creek resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The driver was transported to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital for a voluntary blood draw.
Investigators do not believe alcohol use or speed were factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Comments