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.