Photo: Police at the scene of a pedestrian/vehicle accident in Belmont, Tuesday, Aug. 28.
An unidentified middle-aged woman was critically injured after being struck by a light commercial van while in the crosswalk at the intersection of Sycamore and Lexington streets Tuesday morning, Aug. 28.
The accident took place at approximately 8:30 a.m. when a late-model white Ford Transit operated by a man struck the woman mid-way into the crossing located in the Waverley neighborhood. Belmont Fire and Police responded quickly to the scene.
Police closed off Sycamore and Lexington for several hours after the accident. A pair of brown shoes, a metallic water bottle, a scarf along with what looked like food was still at the scene by late morning.
It is not known if the woman is a Belmont resident.
Some eyewitnesses reported that a small child was with the woman but that could not be confirmed by authorities.
“All we know now is that she is in critical condition,” said Belmont Police Sgt. Ben Mailhot, adding she was taken to a “local” hospital.
Mailhot added that there was no sign of driver impairment. He could not say why the accident occurred on a sunny, clear day during the end of the morning commute.
“There is an on-scene investigation with [Belmont] and State Police at this time.
Nearby residents contend the street is not as safe as it could be, even after the intersection was raised to slow vehicles along Lexington.
Matthew Mahon says
I drive through that intersection all of the time, if you are turning onto Lexington from sycamore and oncoming traffic on Lexington slows down to avoid the bump then sycamore drivers race out to beat the traffic and are distracted from people in the crosswalk. Four way stop is the only answer.
P- says
I’ve lived by this crosswalk for 8 years and have complained many times about the multiple car crashes to the Town. I always thought it would take a death for Belmont to do something. Guess what?
Marie Daly says
The speed bump is very high, and you cannot go over 15 mph. A car going faster may go out of control.
Jean says
I think the speed bumps in that location make it more dangerous
KB says
Check the drivers phone.