DeLand child struck by car while riding scooter, critically injured

article

A juvenile girl was critically injured Monday afternoon after being struck by a car while riding a scooter across South Woodland Boulevard in DeLand. | CREDIT: On the Scene News CFL

ORLANDO, Fla. - A DeLand child was seriously injured Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter in DeLand, according to authorities.

What we know:

The crash occurred around 3:35 p.m. near the intersection of South Woodland Boulevard and Gilbert Street.

Police said a black Chevrolet, driven by an adult male, was traveling northbound when it hit the juvenile girl as she attempted to cross the roadway.

Image 1 of 2

▼

Black Chevrolet | CREDIT: On the Scene News CFL

The girl was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening.

The driver remained at the scene and was not injured. The roadway was closed for about 90 minutes and reopened shortly before 5 p.m.

What we don't know:

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and we have not yet received an update on the child's current condition.

Police said a full report will be released once the investigation is complete.

What they're saying:

Crystal Campbell, a nearby driver and trained in CPR, witnessed the aftermath and rushed to help.

"I was in the left lane heading towards downtown DeLand and saw something fly up in the air," Campbell said. "Everybody started slamming on their brakes and stopping."

Campbell, who described the girl as unconscious and barely breathing, said instinct took over.

DeLand girl on scooter critically injured after being hit by car

A young girl is fighting for her life after being hit by a car while riding an electric scooter across a busy road in DeLand, authorities said.

"I immediately got out of my vehicle and ran to her," she said. "She was breathing shallowly when I first approached her. Then she stopped breathing."

Campbell said she administered back blows to avoid rolling the girl over for CPR — a move that may have helped save her life.

"She started breathing again," Campbell said.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: