A St. Joseph's University student was rushed to the hospital after being struck by a driver along City Avenue Monday night.
The driver of a southbound 2021 Mazda CX-5 struck the unidentified student along City Avenue -- on the Montgomery County side near Old Lancaster Avenue -- as the male student crossed midblock just before 8 p.m., Lower Merion Township police and the university said.
The young man was being treated at a local hospital in critical condition, the university said in an email sent to the campus community. Police later called the injuries "life threatening."
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"Members of our community are mobilizing in support of the student and family," Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students Ross Radish said in the message to the "SJU Community."
The university said it is offering counseling for students.
The driver stopped a short distance later and stayed on the scene, police said. The windshield to their SUV was shattered on the driver's side.
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City Ave. was closed to traffic for more than 4 hours while police investigated, but reopened shortly after midnight.
People who frequent City Avenue said they often see drivers going too fast along the straight stretch of road dividing Philadelphia and Montgomery County.
"They go about 50, 60, sometimes 65," bus operator Melvin Green said. The speed limit near St. Joe's is just 35 mph and there are rumble strips in hopes of slowing drivers.
"Because it's so busy around here, most of us cross at the crosswalks.. I feel like a lot of people are intentional about it," Olivia Beddow, a student who lives in a nearby dorm, said. "But even then, unfortunately, things like last night happen."
The investigation into the crash continued into Tuesday., police said. No charges have been announced.
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