Teen struck by vehicle in Guelph

A teen was taken to hospital Wednesday after he was struck by a vehicle in Guelph.

Police said first responders were called to the scene on Silvercreek Parkway North just after 7 p.m.

"The investigation at this point would suggest the young fellow was on the roadway riding a scooter," said Sgt. Ray Gordon.

He added that the 15-year-old boy was taken to Guelph General Hospital with a head injury and later transported to a Hamilton trauma centre by land ambulance. The teen’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

After further investigation, police said there were two teen boys playing on the road with their push scooters, weaving through the southbound lanes of the road when one was hit.

Police said some drivers spotted the teens and slowed down but the incident happened when the driver of a Ford F-150 went to pass those vehicles in the curb lane.

“At that time, one of the youths veered into the curb lane and collided with the vehicle,” said Scott Tracey, a spokesperson for Guelph Police.

Dwayne Markle, who lives nearby, said he heard a lot of honking and then an ambulance before he came outside to see what happened.

“A white truck was pulled over, the one that hit the boy and I saw a scooter in the middle of the road,” recalled Markle, “I saw all of them working on the boy in the middle of the road, him screaming and them trying to put a neck brace on him.”

Police said the teen was not wearing a helmet.

Sgt. Gordon said it's too early to say if charges will be laid in this incident.

Police don't believe speed, drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision but the investigation is ongoing.

“This is a very unique set of circumstances in terms of people being on the road and the driver may or may not have realized that,” said Tracey.

The incident was a reminder to those living nearby of the importance of road safety.

“Be aware of their surroundings, look both ways, don’t play in traffic and always wear a helmet,” said Markle.

Police said while helmets are not mandatory, they are recommended for push scooters.

Silvercreek Parkway North was closed for time between Westwood Road and Willow Road but has since reopened.