Crime & Safety

Staples Runner Hit by Car During Team Run, Hospitalized

An accident occurred around 4 p.m Tuesday on Long Lots Road while members of the Staples High School cross-country team were out for a run, leaving a 15-year-old victim injured.

Update: 7:55 p.m.

The 15-year-old girl was running on Long Lots Road with a group of five other female cross-country teammates and their coach when she was struck by a minivan, according to Westport Police Sergeant Richard Frazier.

The runner was transported to Norwalk Hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being treated by Westport police and Westport EMS, Fraizer said.

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"The group of six girls and their coach were running eastbound on the shoulder of the westbound lanes as required," Frazier said, adding that the incident is still under investigation. "Alcohol and speed were not contributing factors in this accident."

The driver of the minivan stopped at the scene and no one else was injured, Fraizer said. Additional school personnel responded to the accident for assistance, while bystanders and witnesses were at the scene assisting with the investigation, he said. 

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Fraizer was speaking with the school crossing guard at the intersection of Long Lots Road and Hyde Lane when he heard the accident and was told by a passing driver that a car had struck a girl. He immediately responded.

"Motorists are reminded that this is a busy time with an increased presence of pedestrians, bicyclists and students waiting at bus stops or walking and running on Westport roads," he said. "Please drive safely and be aware of others using the roadway."

Fraizer confirmed that the runner did not fracture her femur as previously reported in the original story.

 

Original story:

The unidentified victim reportedly suffered non-life threatening injuries after being struck by the vehicle, according to emergency dispatch. 

The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Long Lots Road and Peabody lane. 

The , the  and Westport EMS responded to the accident. 

The Westport Police Department  enforcement and education campaign, focusing on traffic safety in and around the school zones. 

Officers been targeting traffic violators, specifically those who speed in school zones, in an effort to raise awareness on school safety in Westport.

Patch will publish more details about the accident and the victim's condition when they are available.


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