Two kids walking in a marked crosswalk in Chicago's South Austin neighborhood were hit by a car Wednesday afternoon, then left on the street as the driver sped off, according to police.
The crash happened around 3:08 p.m. in the 300 block of South Central Avenue. Police said the victims are a 10-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl who were struck while using the crosswalk. Both children were taken to a hospital with minor injuries and were reported to be in good condition. The driver did not stop and fled the scene.
According to ABC7 Chicago, officers described the vehicle as a silver Mitsubishi station wagon traveling southbound on Central Avenue. Chicago police told the station the youngsters were in the crosswalk when they were hit, and detectives have opened a hit-and-run investigation. No suspect or vehicle has been publicly identified, and no arrests had been reported as of Wednesday.
Pedestrian Safety and City Context
Pedestrian safety has been a stubborn problem in Chicago, where the city recorded more than 100 roadway deaths in 2024, including dozens of pedestrians. Officials say the city's Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths is still out of reach, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Safety advocates have also warned that recent cuts and shifts in capital funding for crash-prevention projects are slowing progress. That trend, including a major drop in a key funding source used for safety upgrades, was detailed by Streetsblog Chicago. The mix of wide, busy streets and limited traffic-calming work can make West Side crossings especially risky for kids and other pedestrians.
Police Response and How to Help
Chicago police continue to investigate the South Austin hit-and-run, ABC7 Chicago reported. Anyone who saw the crash or has information that could help detectives is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department. The department's public pages list a non-emergency number and an online tip portal where information can be submitted to investigators.
We will update this story if police release additional details or identify a suspect.
