3 Students Released From Hospital After Being Hit By Vehicle
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Three students have been released from the hospital after being struck by a vehicle in the Upper Hill District on Tuesday.
Six Pittsburgh Milliones University Prep students were walking home when they were struck by a teenage girl who was driving a black Chrysler 300. The driver is also a student Pittsburgh Milliones.
"It's true that this incident could have been far worse, but it never should've happened at all," said Pittsburgh Public Safety Department spokesman Chris Togneri.
All were taken to area hospitals for treatment, but none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
Three of the students were released from the hospital Tuesday night after being treated for fractures and bruises.
KDKA has also learned a seventh person was hospitalized after not seeking medical attention at the scene.
According to officials, the female driver and a male passenger initially fled the scene, but later returned.
The driver was taken into police custody for questioning. She was also a student Pittsburgh Milliones. So far, no charges have been filed, but the investigation is continuing.
"Regarding the driver of the vehicle; first, it does not appear that this incident was malicious in any way. Rather, it appears the driver might have been trying to show off in the vehicle and then lost control of the car," said Togneri. "The driver had a learner's permit and should not have been driving the vehicle without an adult passenger. She did have a passenger in the car, but he was not an adult, he was 14."
Investigators say part of this investigation is whether or not the teenage girl behind the wheel had permission to be driving the car.
The car was eventually placed on a flatbed truck, and taken away to the pound. Police will continue checking for any possible mechanical malfunctions as they look for answers, including the possibility of driver error.
Meanwhile, counselors were available at the school on Wednesday for any student wishing to talk to someone.