Newkirk Student Hit By Semi Near Campus

A Newkirk High School student was hit by a vehicle during lunch, according to Newkirk Public Schools.

The Newkirk Fire Chief, Adam Longcrier, says the student was a 16-year-old girl.

According to Newkirk Police, the teenager was returning to school after lunch, when she was struck by a semi truck as she entered a crosswalk near Newkirk Public Schools. 

"He said he didn't see her at all until impact," Newkirk Police Chief Kevin Maine said. "Talking with him, he was really shaken over it. You could tell how it impacted him."

Emergency officials were on the scene within 20 seconds of the call and transported the student for medical attention, according to the school. At the time of the incident, emergency officials said she was in critical condition, she remains in the hospital at this time.

"They found a young lady who was trapped underneath the semi, still partially under it," said Maine. Witnesses said the girl actually went under the tires.

She was med-flighted to a trauma center in Wichita from the school's football field, according to Longcrier.

The street the girl was attempting to cross was the highway that goes through the center of Newkirk, Longcrier said.

"This is an extremely busy highway, this highway 77," said Maine. "The second busiest NS highway in the state."

There is a fast food restaurant across the highway that multiple students were headed to at the time, according to Longcrier. No other students were injured.

The highway has school zone lights that were flashing at the time of the incident, according to officials. The school zone light has an additional light that is activated by a crosswalk button, officials say this light was on as well.

"By watching video, and witnesses stated, she walked up and pushed the button and was waiting for, she was waiting for a car to clear. Then she began to walk across the street," Maine said.

The driver of the semi remained on scene and was cited for failure to yield to a crosswalk, according to Longcrier.

"A pedestrian in a crosswalk always has the right-of-way," said Maine.

News 9 spoke to the driver of the semi, who was extremely emotional. He said his primary concern was for the girl’s welfare. He also said despite witness accounts, the crosswalk lights were not activated.

The Newkirk Public Schools statement can be read below:

Image Provided By: Newkirk

Dear Tiger family:

Today during lunch, a Newkirk High School student was struck by a vehicle while using a crosswalk near campus. Emergency officials responded urgently, and the student was transported for medical attention. School officials also immediately contacted the student's family.

There is nothing more important to out school district than the safety of our students. While I am unable to share additional information due to student privacy laws, I ask that you please keep the student and their family in your thoughts and prayers. Counselors are currently available at school for students who may need assistance and extra support upon hearing this news.

As we say, Newkirk is a district were every Tiger feels loved, respected and encouraged. I know our community will rally around this student and their family during this difficult time.