PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — A South Paulding High School student was hit by a pickup truck Wednesday morning.
According to school officials, the crash happened around 8 a.m. off campus on Winn Road, in front of Dugan Elementary School.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that no crossing guard was present. Parents told Channel 2’s Audrey Washington that a guard is needed there.
“This is really dangerous. Can we do something?” said parent Chelsey Land.
Sandra Leonard, who witnessed the scene, said she had waved at the girl just before she was hit.
“It was hurtful,” Leonard said. “My husband was crying because we see the little girl walk every day to school.”
The driver stayed at the scene while troopers reconstructed the accident. The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said the student was taken to an Kennestone Hospital in critical condition.
South Paulding High School Principal Ed Thomas sent a letter to parents saying the student was seriously injured after being struck.
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The letter said the student was hospitalized and being treated at this time.
Counselors were made available to students and staff for Wednesday and Thursday, and Thomas promised to provide updates if there are further developments.
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The sheriff’s office confirmed to Channel 2 Action News they responded to the vehicle accident with a pedestrian near South Paulding High School.
The sheriff’s office said the Georgia State Patrol also responded to the scene and the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team would investigate the incident.
Read the full letter to parents here:
“Dear South Paulding High School Families,
It is with a heavy heart that I share news of an incident that occurred this morning just off the campus on Winn Road in front of Dugan Elementary School. One of our students, who was walking to school from the neighborhood across Winn Road, was struck by a car and seriously injured. The student is hospitalized and is being treated at this time. You may see news reports of this unfortunate event. Our school is a tight-knit community, and I am sharing this information so that all of our thoughts and prayers can be dedicated to the families involved. I also want you to know that we will have counselors on hand at the school today and tomorrow for any students or staff who need assistance. I will update you if there are developments. Please keep these families in your prayers during this difficult time."
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