Madison, WI (February 28, 2026) – An 8-year-old child was seriously injured Thursday morning, February 26, after being struck by a vehicle near two Madison schools. Emergency units were dispatched to the 5600 block of Russett Road around 8:30 a.m., and first responders arrived within minutes.
According to the Madison Police Department, the child was walking to school when the crash occurred near Toki Middle School and Orchard Ridge Elementary School. The student was taken to a hospital with serious injuries that were described as not life-threatening.
Police said the driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and was not cited for any violations. No additional details about the vehicle or the circumstances leading up to the collision were immediately released.
The crash remains under investigation.
We are keeping the injured child and their family in our thoughts as recovery continues.
Why School-Area Pedestrian Crashes Raise Serious Safety Concerns
Crashes involving children near schools often happen during morning travel hours, when traffic volume increases, and visibility can be affected by lighting or weather conditions. Even familiar routes can become hazardous during drop-off and commute times.
Young pedestrians are especially vulnerable due to their size and limited ability to judge vehicle speed or distance. Marked crossings, school zones, and reduced speeds are designed to lower risk, but incidents can still occur.
After these crashes, reviews typically focus on driver awareness, roadway design, and traffic flow during peak school hours. These factors help explain how a collision happened and what conditions were present at the time.
