PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A 14-year-old Treasure Coast High School student remains in critical condition after police say he was struck by an SUV while walking to school along a construction zone in Port St. Lucie.
According to Port St. Lucie Police, the crash happened around 6 a.m. Wednesday on Southwest Port St. Lucie Boulevard near Squirrel Avenue.
Investigators say the freshman was walking along the roadway, which does not have sidewalks, when a 72-year-old driver hit him from behind with an SUV. The area is currently under construction as crews work to widen a portion of Port St. Lucie Boulevard.
Police say the driver initially believed he had struck a construction barrel. After turning around and returning to the scene, officers say he found the teen unconscious on the side of the road and called 911.
Neighbors who live near the crash site say the lack of sidewalks has long been a concern, especially for students who walk or bike to school.
“It’s not safe to walk around here,” said neighbor Kendry Portal. “We need those sidewalks.”
Neighbors told CBS12 News they have seen multiple crashes involving pedestrians along the busy stretch of road since construction began a few years ago.
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The Florida Department of Transportation is widening the southern portion of Port St. Lucie Boulevard into a four-lane road and adding sidewalks as part of the ongoing project. Neighbors say the safety improvements cannot come soon enough.
“I want to see this street finished as soon as possible,” Portal said.
Police do not believe the driver was impaired, and it remains unclear whether any charges will be filed.
Authorities are asking anyone with dashcam or surveillance video from the area around the time of the crash to contact Port St. Lucie Police.
As of Thursday morning, the 14-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“I just hope that he gets well soon and hope for the family in this situation,” said Portal.