First responders are pictured at the scene of a fatal accident involving a car and a tractor-trailer. P-J photo by Eric Tichy
An investigation remains ongoing after a 15-year-old girl was struck and killed while crossing a Jamestown street Friday afternoon.
More information, including the victim’s name, was expected to released over the weekend, the Jamestown Police Department said in a news release.
“This was a very tragic occurrence and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends,” Capt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department told The Post-Journal.
First responders were alerted around 12:30 p.m. for reports of a pedestrian struck by a tractor-trailer at Washington and West Sixth streets. The semi was later identified as being a car hauler and was located by members of the Lakewood-Busti Police Department.
The female, who was reportedly crossing Sixth Street when she was struck, was pronounced dead at the scene. The intersection was closed to traffic for several hours Friday afternoon.
Samuelson said Jamestown police were being assisted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, county Accident Reconstruction Team, state Department of Transportation, the Jamestown Fire Department and Alstar EMS.
“We are continuing to investigate this tragic situation,” Samuelson said.
The Jamestown Public Schools District said the victim was a student. The district said resources will be made available when students return to classes Monday.
“JPS has learned of the tragic loss of one of our students due to a fatal accident today at Sixth and Washington Streets,” the district said in a statement. “The JPD will be releasing additional information. We are deeply saddened by this terrible loss to our school community. This incident is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire district, especially our students. JPS is working to ensure that school Crisis Intervention Teams will be ready Monday to help students or staff who may need assistance. Our sympathy, concern and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
Detectives were at the scene taking photographs and interviewing witnesses, and area surveillance video was being checked.
Meanwhile, the semi could be seen in the parking lot of the Chautauqua Mall shortly after the accident. It was not immediately made clear if charges were pending.