PITTSBURGH — A girl has died after being hit by a car in Pittsburgh’s Carrick neighborhood.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Brownsville Road and Woodford Avenue around 2:50 p.m., Pittsburgh Public Safety says.
A car was reportedly driving down Brownsville Road when it began sliding and hit a pole. It continued to slide before hitting 17-year-old Ishara Kami, who was standing on the sidewalk.
Medics began CPR and took the Kami to the hospital in critical condition, where she was pronounced dead.
The driver stayed on scene, officials say.
The investigation is ongoing.
Pittsburgh Public Schools released a statement, saying the district is “deeply saddened to report the passing of Pittsburgh Carrick student Ishara Kami.”
The statement reads:
“This afternoon, Ishara was struck by a vehicle. According to preliminary information, the driver of a truck lost control of the vehicle and struck the high school senior. The driver remained at the scene.
“Ishara is described by staff as a beautiful student who had recently begun to come out of her shell. A student in the Health Tech program, she was known for her kind spirit, helpful nature, and the genuine care she showed to others. She was well-loved by her peers, an all-around good student, and a true joy to have in class.
“Pittsburgh Public Schools is coordinating with school leadership to provide counseling and support services to students and staff. We extend our deepest condolences to Ishara’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and the entire Carrick school community during this incredibly difficult time.”
15-year-old Alexis Harper recalled the snow squall she and others experienced right before 3 p.m. on Friday while walking from Carrick High School along Brownsville Road.
“It was like all over the road, and I guess there was sheets of ice on the road,” Harper said.
“I’m walking home from school, and on the other side of the road, there was a blue truck, and I seen the girl. He started sliding down, and I was screaming to the girl like get out the way, you’re gonna get hit,” Harper said.
Moments later, Harper says that, after she saw the truck hit the girl, she immediately ran to her aid.
“I checked her pulse, and I didn’t feel no pulse whatsoever, so I started doing CPR and then three other adults seen it and started doing CPR, so I got off and watched it happen.”
“I’m very sad for her family and i hope her family is doing ok but it’s very upsetting,” Harper added.
Carrick neighbors who heard the impact from the crash initially thought the sound was from a snowplow.
“The roads was covered,” neighbor Darryl Hull said. “They were frosted over, they were covered, and the visibility was horrible, and the wind was blowing like 30-40 mph.”
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