(Updated: 7:43 p.m.) A Riverhead Middle School student walking with friends for an after-school slice of pizza was struck by a car as he attempted to cross Osborn Avenue just before 3 p.m. today.
The 13-year-old was critically injured in the accident, Riverhead Town Police said. Emergency medical personnel quickly whisked the child off in an ambulance, at first planning to have him airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital from a landing zone at Stotzky Park. RVAC then decided to transport him to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was then flown to Sony Brook for treatment.
The victim was conscious and breathing at the scene, according to police.
Stunned school security, faculty and staff gathered near the scene of the accident, along with students and passersby.
The two boys walking with the victim to the pizzeria said they were all 7th graders and good friends. “It all happened so fast,” one of the boys said.
The vehicle involved was a 2011 Toyota Camry operated by a 44-year-old Riverhead woman. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. The accident is under investigation, police said.
Anyone that may have witnessed the accident is asked to call the Riverhead Detective Division at (631) 727-4500 ext. 326.
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