Kensington, Adelaide: Truck driver arrested after allegedly hitting two teenagers outside school

A driver has been arrested after two students were left seriously injured after being allegedly struck by his truck outside an Adelaide high school. 

The 16-year-olds, one girl and one boy, were allegedly hit at a pedestrian crossing outside Marryatville High School in Kensington at about 8am on Wednesday. 

The teenagers were treated by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital by ambulance. 

The girl is in a serious condition, while the boy remains in a critical condition.

A 60-year-old man was arrested by Major Crash investigators on Wednesday and charged with two counts of causing injury by dangerous driving. 

Prior to the arrest, police were investigating whether the truck could have run a red light before colliding with the teenagers, the Advertiser reports. 

Superintendent Kameniar said the incident was a ‘tragedy’ for the community. 

‘It takes a split second in decision-making and this is where we end up. We need people to take heed of the messaging, don’t drive like idiots on our roads,’ she said. 

‘There are certain things that will never leave someone’s mind and seeing something as horrendous as what happened this morning is one of those things.’

The truck is believed to have been delivering goods at the time of the crash. 

Police say three of the four traffic lights at the pedestrian crossing were ‘clearly visible’ despite some fallen branches and debris from a recent storm. 

One student described the 16-year-old girl involved as ‘quiet’ and ‘just nice’.  

Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes told ABC Radio the incident occurred during the morning school rush and had been witnessed by other students. 

The students were treated by paramedics at the scene before being rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital by ambulance with serious injuries (pictured is police officers at the scene)

‘It happened just after 8am, so busy school time and I understand they were walking to a nearby school,’ Constable Stokes said. 

‘It was a really busy time there, and it was witnessed by a lot of people including a lot of children from the nearby school, so an extremely traumatic incident.’

Marryatville High is said to caring for students who witnessed the crash, with students given the option to leave school early or seek counselling services. 

Kensington Road was closed to all traffic between Portrush Road and Hackett Terrace as emergency services remain on the scene. 

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage that may assist police has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers.