A 13-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured Thursday night, June 30, while she was trying to walk across Hwy. 61 in Crystal City following the St. Pius X High School fireworks show, authorities reported.
Police did not release the girl’s name, but according to social media, her name is Karli Payne.
Our Lady Catholic School in Festus posted on Facebook that a prayer vigil for the girl will be held at 7 p.m. at Our Lady Catholic Church, 1550 St. Marys Lane, in Festus.
Crystal City Police Capt. Mike Pruneau said the accident occurred at about 9:35 p.m.
“After the fireworks show, she was crossing Hwy. 61 with her parents,” he said. “She ran out in front of (a vehicle) and was struck. (A Rock Township ambulance) that had just dropped someone off at (Mercy Hospital Jefferson) was right behind the accident and took her to (Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis).”
He said the girl suffered head trauma.
Pruneau said he did not have information about the woman who was driving the car but emphasized that the accident was not her fault.
“The driver didn’t do anything wrong,” he said.
St. Pius X President Jim Lehn called for prayers for the girl.
“Our prayers go out to the family and everyone involved,” Lehn said. “It’s just a horrible accident.”