Child critically injured after being struck by car

A child was rushed to a hospital with critical injuries, including a head injury, late this morning after being struck by a vehicle.

The child was hit just before noon near South Montclaire and West Ferrel drives in Olathe, according to Sgt. Grant Allen, a spokesman for the Olathe Police Department.

The 4-year-old boy was taken to Children Mercy’s hospital in critical condition.

The accident occurred while the driver of a black sport utility vehicle was headed north on Montclaire just north of Ferrel.

The boy was crossing the street while holding the hand of a relative. The child, however, was able to break away from the grip of the relative and ran across the street and was struck, Allen said.

The driver stopped and waited for police to arrive. There is no indication that speed was a factor, Allen said.

The accident remains under investigation by the department’s traffic safety unit.