Updated 11:30 a.m. Thursday: Children Struck by Car in Front of Edison School

Update: This story was updated at 11:27 a.m. to include comments made by Westfield Police Capt. Scott Rodger.

Westfield Police Capt. Scott Rodger said a crossing guard was present and actively directing traffic when the collison occurred near the intersection of Rahway Avenue and Grove Street. Rodger said students who were hit were crossing in the crosswalk during the time of the accident. The driver who struck the children--both students at Edison Intermediate School--had been directed to stop by the crossing guard but claimed that due to sun glare she was unable to see the crossing guard nor the children.

Rodger added that both children suffered injuries, one to the head and one to the arm. Both children's parents were contacted and arrived at the scene. Both children were transported to the hospital by ambulance. Their conditions are not known at this time. 

Update: This story was updated at 9:32 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 to include comments made by Reid Edles, president of the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad and a message from Edison Intermediate School Principal Matthew Bolton.

Reid Edles, president of the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, said two patients were treated outside of Edison Intermediate School this morning. One was transported to the hospital by the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad and one was treated at the scene by the Fanwood Rescue Squad.

The following is a message from Edison Principal Matt Bolton:

Dear Edison School Families,

As I’m sure all of you noticed this morning, there were police cars and an ambulance in front of Edison School. Unfortunately, two students were struck by a car as they crossed the street. Both student (sic) were in good spirits as they and their parents were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. 

At this time of year, in the early morning, the sun shines directly into the eyes of drivers who are traveling East on Rahway Avenue. As a result of this significant sun glare, it can be very difficult to see students and the crossing guard. Please be careful driving on Rahway Avenue in the morning. 

Thank you,

Matt Bolton

Original: Westfield Police have confirmed that a child was hit by a car outside of Edison Intermediate School just before 8 a.m. on Thursday.

The child was taken to the hospital but injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, police said. 

Police could not say whether the child was male or female or if he or she had been in the crosswalk at the time the accident occurred. At this time police could not say if the driver had been issued a summons as the investigation is ongoing.

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.