St. Joseph’s University student critically injured in crash near campus: officials
PHILADELPHIA - A crash near St. Joseph’s University has left one of the school's students in critical condition, according to university officials.
Emergency crews responded to the crash on the 5400 block of City Avenue near the school's Hawk Hill campus around 8:30 p.m. Monday.
School officials confirmed in an alert that the male pedestrian who was struck is a student of St. Joseph's University.
"I write tonight with upsetting news about the accident on City Avenue," said Ross Radish, JD, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students.. "The pedestrian involved is a member of our student body and is in critical condition at a local hospital."
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The age and identity of the student are still unknown at this time.
Police have yet to release further information regarding the crash, but the striking vehicle suffered significant damage to its windshield.
The driver did remain at the scene, according to officials. However, no charges have been announced.
FOX 29's Jennifer Lee spoke with students Tuesday and they described how daunting it can be to cross City Ave.
"Whenever I cross I just kind of feel very paranoid so I’m always like looking both ways," said Isabel Zygmunt. Joseph's University student.
"You have to be so aware and have to be just like very cautious as a pedestrian and as a driver," said Kate Letrent, St. Joseph's University student
In recent years, traffic-calming measures such as rumble strips have been added on City Avenue.
There is also a pedestrian bridge that lets students cross above traffic and very soon a pedestrian underpass called ‘Post crossing’ will provide a safe connection between the two sides of City Avenue which is set to open this Thursday.
A spokesperson St. Joseph’s University sent FOX 29 the following statement:
"The University's Critical Incident Response Team met this morning to provide support to the student, their family and our community. We are praying for their full recovery, strength for the family and we are asking community members to utilize our resources."
Lower Merion police also released the following statement:
"Always cross at signalized pedestrian crosswalks. Push the button to activate the signalization lights to flash and wait for them to start flashing before crossing. Never cross mid-block or without using the signalization lights to cross safely at the crosswalks."