Lynchburg, VA (February 26, 2026) – A 9-year-old boy was seriously injured Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Lynchburg.
According to the Lynchburg Police Department, officers and the Lynchburg Fire Department responded around 4:23 p.m. to the 2300 block of Old Forest Road following reports of a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian.
When emergency personnel arrived, they found the child lying in the roadway with serious injuries. Fire department crews provided immediate medical assistance before transporting him to Lynchburg General Hospital for further treatment.
Police said the driver involved, a 41-year-old man, remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators.
The incident remains under active investigation.
Our thoughts are with the injured child and his family as he receives medical care.
What Factors Contribute to Child Pedestrian Crashes?
Child pedestrian crashes often occur in areas with steady traffic flow, such as multi-lane corridors like Old Forest Road. Children may have difficulty accurately judging vehicle speed and distance, and they can move unpredictably near roadways.
Late afternoon hours, such as the 4 p.m. timeframe noted in this incident, can coincide with heavier traffic volumes as commuters travel home. Increased congestion combined with pedestrian activity may elevate collision risk.
Investigators typically assess vehicle speed, sightlines, roadway design, lighting conditions, and whether the pedestrian was crossing at a marked or unmarked location. They may also evaluate whether any traffic control devices were present and functioning properly.
Determining the precise circumstances surrounding a pedestrian-involved crash requires careful review of scene evidence and witness statements. Authorities have indicated that their investigation is ongoing.