Tools

Five-Year-Old Dragged Nearly 40 Feet By Minivan

Five-Year-Old Dragged Nearly 40 Feet By Minivan

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Nov 18, 2009 at 5:22 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 18, 2009 at 10:38 PM MST

A five-year-old Great Falls boy is lucky to be alive after being hit by a minivan and dragged nearly 40 feet. The accident happened at an intersection near Longfellow Elementary School, despite the presence of a crossing guard at the scene.

According to Great Falls Police, Roxanna Collins tried to make a left turn from 6th Avenue South onto 14th Street South, when she struck the boy, dragging him 38 feet.

This all happened yesterday afternoon just after school got out.

When EMS arrived, the boy was trapped under the vehicle, and was taken to Benefis where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries.

A crossing guard who was helping the child and others cross the street, witnessed the accident.

“She (the driver) kept saying ‘Oh my God, I hit a child. I can’t believe I hit a child.’ And she went on and on.”

Meanwhile at nearby Longfellow Elementary, parents were shocked and disturbed to learn of the accident. And some are now concerned for the safety of their own children.

"There is not a lot of parking around here,” said Stephanie Bush. “It is very disturbing."

“My kids go to school too and I think people drive too fast," said Trina Gardipee.

"That isn't right. I feel bad for the family,” said Denzel Collins.

"This is a school zone,” said Hannah Reed. “I wish people would drive slower."

Great Falls Police say the driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian, and for not following restrictions on her driver’s license to wear corrective lenses.

According to Police, the child was last reported being in stable condition.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Anonymous said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 3:00 PM

However if the lady was wearing her corrective lenses that may have helped save this child also. It should be a major offence to not follow the restrictions on a drivers license, they are not put on there as simply a recomondation.

idunnowhoiam said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 8:35 AM

I think the actual "school zone" ends between 5th and 6th south which is why a patrol is not there. If so, that is the reason a patrol is not there, no big money ticket to be given, even though that should be a priority.

Dan said on Thursday, Nov 19 at 5:04 AM

The police need to patrol these areas where school zones are.Istead of chaseing drunks and drug dealers,were always going to have that problem.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls & Helena Weather

Icon
Great Falls Great Falls Intl Airport, MT
Current Temp 12.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Southwest at 3.5 MPH (3 KT)
Pressure : 1019.9 mb
Humidity : 87 %
Icon
Helena Helena Regional, MT
Current Temp 13.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : Calm
Pressure : 1023.4 mb
Humidity : 92 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

AP Video