A young boy required emergency surgery Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in the 400-block of Woods Avenue.
The boy’s father said he and his older brother were on their way to school at around 8:30 a.m. when they stepped out and crossed the road in front of the vehicle. The older brother got across the street, while the five-year-old boy was struck.
Courtenay Fire Department deputy chief George Siegler says crews responded to the incident and treated the boy until BC Ambulance arrived.
The ambulance took the young child to hospital in Nanaimo for emergency surgery, according to their father. He says he has a broken right femur, possibly a broken left leg and other potential injuries.
Comox Valley RCMP say the street was blocked off for a short time while emergency responders tended to the child and spoke with witnesses.
“The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and has been fully cooperative with the investigation. There is no indication that speed, impairment, or carelessness were factors in this
incident,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, media relations officer with Comox Valley RCMP.
“This is an unfortunate reminder for both pedestrians and drivers to be extra careful during the busy times children are headed to and from school.”
RCMP say the boy is expected to recover.
Following the incident, the child’s father feels an installation of a flashing crosswalk in the area is needed by the city.
