Sanford, NC (March 10, 2026) – A young child was injured after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday, March 10, in the parking area of Kiwanis Family Park in Sanford.
Reports indicate the incident happened after a 7-year-old child left a food truck parked in the lot. As the child moved away from the truck, a nearby vehicle struck them. The vehicle was reportedly moving slowly at the time of the accident.
Emergency units responded to the scene and assisted the child before they were taken to a UNC hospital for treatment. Officials later said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Authorities have not released additional details about the driver involved or how the accident unfolded. No other injuries were reported during the incident. The event is currently being treated as an accident while officials review the circumstances surrounding what occurred at the park.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they are provided.
Our thoughts are with the child and their family as they continue to recover.
Why Parking Lot Accidents Often Involve Pedestrians
Parking lots are designed for slow-moving traffic, yet they are common locations for pedestrian accidents. People frequently walk between parked vehicles, food vendors, and park areas, which increases the chances of drivers and pedestrians crossing paths unexpectedly.
Visibility can also be limited in busy lots. Large vehicles, food trucks, or parked cars may block a driver’s view, making it harder to see someone walking nearby. Children can be especially difficult to spot because of their height and quick movements.
Another factor is the mix of activities happening at once. Drivers may be pulling into spaces, backing out, or moving slowly through the lot while people walk in different directions. These conditions require careful attention from both drivers and pedestrians to reduce the likelihood of a collision.
