SPANISH FORK, UT — A 7-year-old boy is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on North Spanish Fork Parkway on Saturday evening, according to Spanish Fork police.
Officers and other first responders were called at 7:13 p.m. to a report of an auto-pedestrian crash at 875 N. Spanish Fork Parkway. When they arrived, they found the boy after he had been hit by a Jeep Wrangler driven southbound by a 16-year-old girl.
Police said the driver is cooperating as investigators continue to examine how the collision happened. The child was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses say the child crossed in the middle of the block
Spanish Fork police said witnesses described the boy as wearing dark clothing and a mask at the time of the crash. They also said he tried to cross the roadway in the middle of the block, rather than at a marked crossing, for reasons that were not immediately clear.
That detail is part of what investigators are now sorting through as they review the circumstances leading up to the collision. Police have not said whether visibility, speed, or any other factor played a role.
The crash happened on a stretch of roadway where vehicles travel through a residential and commercial corridor, making pedestrian awareness especially important during evening hours.
Police stress the 35 mph speed limit on Spanish Fork Parkway
In their public reminder, Spanish Fork police noted that the speed limit on Spanish Fork Parkway is 35 mph. The department included that detail as it urged drivers to remain alert for pedestrians.
Even on roads with lower posted limits, officers often remind motorists to watch for people crossing unexpectedly, especially at night. Dark clothing can make pedestrians harder to see, adding another layer of risk in low-light conditions.
Police did not announce any citations or charges in connection with the crash. The investigation remains open.
A 16-year-old driver was behind the wheel of the Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep involved in the crash was being driven by a 16-year-old girl, police said. She was traveling southbound when the collision occurred.
Authorities said she is cooperating with investigators. No further details were released about her possible speed, her experience as a driver, or whether anyone else was in the vehicle.
Because the case remains under review, police have not said what factors they may consider before making any conclusions about fault. For now, the department is treating the incident as an active investigation rather than a closed case.
The boy's condition keeps attention on pedestrian safety
The severity of the injury has drawn attention to pedestrian safety on busy local roads, especially when children are involved. Crashes like this often prompt renewed warnings about crossing outside designated areas and staying visible after dark.
Police did not provide additional information about the boy beyond confirming that he was 7 years old and remained in critical condition after the collision. They also did not say whether he was with family members at the time.
The department said the incident may be updated as more information becomes available. For now, investigators are continuing to piece together the moments before the crash and the circumstances that led to the child being struck.
What police have said so far about the crash
Spanish Fork police have confirmed a few key facts: the crash happened Saturday night, it involved a southbound Jeep Wrangler, and the child attempted to cross the roadway midblock. The boy was then taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Beyond that, officials have released limited information while the investigation continues. They have not publicly described any mechanical problem with the vehicle, and they have not indicated that impairment is suspected.
For now, the case stands as a serious local traffic investigation with a child in critical condition and a young driver cooperating with police.
