Escambia County, FL (September 23, 2025) – A 3-year-old girl was critically injured early Sunday morning after being struck by a car while in the roadway on Highway 29 near East Herman Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m., when the child entered the southbound lanes of Highway 29 and was struck by a vehicle driven by a 42-year-old woman from Pensacola. The driver remained on scene and was not injured.
Emergency medical responders arrived quickly and transported the young girl to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Her mother later confirmed to local news outlets that the child is recovering but remains under close medical supervision.
According to statements from the mother, the child had been in the care of her grandmother at the time of the incident. The girl reportedly unlocked the front door and left the home unsupervised in what the family described as an isolated and deeply unfortunate event.
Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. At this time, no charges have been announced, and authorities have not confirmed whether additional contributing factors, such as lighting or visibility, are being considered.
Our thoughts are with the child and her family, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Child Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
This heartbreaking incident in Escambia County draws attention to a critical public safety concern—child pedestrian injuries and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian accidents involving children under the age of 10 are most likely to occur in early morning or late evening hours, when visibility is reduced and drivers may not expect to encounter pedestrians, especially young ones.
Highway 29 is a busy corridor running through residential and commercial areas, making it particularly dangerous for unsupervised pedestrians. While tragic, situations like this highlight the importance of secure home environments, including childproof locks and alarms, particularly for families living near major roadways.
For the drivers involved, accidents like these are traumatic and life-altering, even when no fault is found. For families, the emotional and medical toll can be immense. Children who survive vehicle-pedestrian crashes often face long-term physical rehabilitation, psychological recovery, and financial burdens from prolonged hospital care.
Local law enforcement and safety advocates urge families to take proactive steps, such as using childproof locks and monitoring early morning movements. In communities, roadway design improvements—such as speed reductions near residential zones and enhanced pedestrian signage—can also reduce these devastating incidents.
If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury like this, it’s important to seek both medical and legal support. Understanding your rights and available resources can ease the path toward recovery.
When a child is injured, the entire community feels the impact. At Local Accident Reports, we help families facing unimaginable circumstances connect with the support they need—from medical referrals to legal guidance. Reach out today to learn how we can assist your family on the journey toward healing.