4-year-old girl hit by box truck in West Homestead after losing control of bike

A 4-year-old girl was hospitalized after police said she was hit by a box truck in West Homestead. 

The Allegheny County Police Department said the 911 call about the girl came in around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police said the 4-year-old lost control of her bike and hit a parked vehicle near the intersection of West Eighth Avenue and Neel Street in West Homestead. After that, she was hit by a box truck, police said.

Investigators said the driver stayed at the scene. The girl was taken to UPMC Children's Hospital, and authorities said on Thursday she was last listed in critical but stable condition.

Allegheny County police said their detectives are initiating the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.

Police chief shares reminder

As the weather gets warmer and kids are playing outside, Shaler Township Police Chief Sean Frank told KDKA-TV on Thursday that it's up to drivers, parents, and kids to make sure everyone is safe.  

"They're out at times that you're not used to," Frank said.

Earlier this week in Shaler, Frank said a car struck a 10-year-old boy who was running back and forth across the street with a few other kids. Thankfully, he only suffered foot and ankle injuries.

"Doesn't look like there was any distraction. There was no impairment, and no charges for the person that was driving," Frank said. 

The police chief wants everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to look both ways before going into the street. 

"We just ask that we don't use the street as the playground. Use the playground, use someone's yard," Frank said.