An 11-year-old girl was hospitalized this morning after being struck by a speeding ambulance in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, according to officials and eyewitness accounts. The accident occurred around 9:45 a.m. near the intersection of NW 12th Ave. and NW 4th Street, close to SLAM Miami charter school, as reported by CBS News Miami. Witnesses told CBS News Miami that the girl was crossing the street when hit by the ambulance that had its lights on, apparently en route to a hospital emergency.
While the girl's identity has not been released, a spokesperson for SLAM Miami confirmed her enrollment at the school, offering support to the family. "Our thoughts are with the student and their family during this difficult time," said Adri Lima in a statement obtained by CBS News Miami. Darting into traffic, the victim was struck by the ambulance, according to City of Miami Police cited by WSVN. The child was alert and oriented while being transported to the hospital, investigators said.
The crash has prompted local concerns regarding the safety of children on their way to school. A witness described to CBS News Miami the crash as "shocking," noting that it appeared the girl was "a little careless." Additional security measures, such as police patrols during peak times when students are crossing the streets and the installation of traffic lights, have been called for by witnesses at the scene.
As a result of the accident, Miami police have closed NW 12th Ave. between NW 4th and 7th Streets for investigation. With police urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes, 7Skyforce aerial footage captured the abrupt impact of the closure on local traffic. Any updates on the girl's condition have not been disclosed by police as of yet.
