A child was struck by a vehicle in South Memphis on Sunday afternoon and rushed to the hospital in critical condition, according to police. The driver remained at the scene while officers launched an investigation, and authorities have not released identifying details about the child.
Where it happened
The crash was reported around 4:34 p.m. on McMillan Street just off South Parkway East, according to LocalMemphis. Memphis Police told the outlet the driver stayed at the scene, and the child was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The department also told the outlet that there have been nearly 90 crashes involving pedestrians across the city so far this year.
Pedestrian safety in Memphis
The collision comes as Memphis continues to grapple with pedestrian safety. The city has been identified as one of the most dangerous places in the country for people walking in Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design report, according to Smart Growth America. Coverage in Governing points to wide, high-speed roads, limited crosswalks, and aging infrastructure as key factors behind higher fatality rates. The same coverage notes recommendations for street redesigns, including narrower lanes, protected crossings, and other "complete streets" improvements, with federal grants suggested as one way to help fund those upgrades.
Investigators are still working to piece together what led up to Sunday’s collision, LocalMemphis reported. Officials have not said whether any charges will be filed and have not released additional information.
