VAN BUREN, Ark. (KFSM) — A 14-year-old boy was in critical condition Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle in Van Buren Tuesday night (May 7) but is now off of life support and recovering.
According to Sgt. Jonathan Wear of the Van Buren Police, the boy was hit about 9 p.m. Tuesday night near the intersection of 25th Street and Alma Boulevard while riding a small non-motorized scooter.
Wear said the boy was hit while riding the scooter in the roadway.
The boy was transported by Southwest EMS to a local hospital before being airlifted to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.
Police say the city is trying to be proactive in preventing more of these accidents in the future. They say both drivers and pedestrians need to be more aware of their surroundings, especially at night.
"We want to say to teens and kids is that you really need to be careful at that time of day because drivers can’t see you," Wear said.
This accident comes three weeks after a 6-year-old named Hunter was hit by a car and received severe injuries. As of today, he is walking, talking and joking around with his family at the hospital. He is expected to need a neck brace for the next four weeks but should be on his way home soon. A GoFundMe has been set up for Hunter.
Neighbors in the residential area say cars speed through the neighborhood every day and night. Police say the speed limit is 30mph in that part of town.
"I do know some improvements have been made," Wear said. "I was contacted by news media about the streets lights being repaired and new speed minor signs being installed."