Baton Rouge, LA (February 20, 2026) – A child was critically injured after being struck by a truck on February 20 at a gas station on Cortana Pl, according to emergency medical responders and the Baton Rouge Police Department.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 11:28 a.m. at the Murphy USA gas station. Emergency crews arrived quickly and transported the child to a local hospital in critical condition. No other injuries were reported at the scene.
Preliminary reports confirmed that a child was the person hit in the crash. Details regarding the circumstances of the collision and the identity of those involved have not yet been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of the injured child and hope for a full recovery.
Why Parking Lot Crashes Like This One in Baton Rouge Can Be So Dangerous for Kids
Gas stations and parking lots may seem low-risk due to slower traffic, but they can be especially hazardous for children. Vehicles are constantly entering and exiting, and visibility can be limited by pumps, signage, or parked cars. Kids, due to their height and unpredictability, may be harder for drivers to see—especially when they move quickly through open spaces.
Drivers are urged to remain cautious and vigilant in areas like Cortana Pl, even at low speeds. Slowing down and checking blind spots can prevent tragic accidents involving young pedestrians in commercial zones.
Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to hold children’s hands and keep them close when walking near traffic areas, especially around active driveways and fueling stations.
