Car strikes 3 siblings, one fatally, on way to middle school in San Carlos

A car fatally struck a 12-year-old child and injured two other pre-teens who were walking to school in the San Diego neighborhood of San Carlos Monday morning.

The three 12-year-old kids—two girls and one boy, all siblings—were crossing Jackson Drive at Lake Badin Avenue, on their way to Pershing Middle School, when they were hit just before 7:30 a.m., San Diego police acting Capt. Jonathan Lowe said.

Pershing Middle School’s principal identified the students Monday afternoon, as sixth graders.

“We have received permission from the impacted families to share the names of the students involved,” Principal Melanie Kray said. “We are deeply saddened to share that sixth grader Andrew Olsen tragically passed away from his injuries. Sixth graders Anne Willow and Jasmine Olsen are currently recovering from injuries sustained in the accident.”

San Diego Fire-Rescue said all three children were transported to Rady Children’s Hospital in critical condition. One child was pronounced dead at the hospital, police confirmed. Another child had serious fractures and the third was sitting and talking with first responders upon arrival.

Parents have been notified and were on their way to the hospital, Lowe said.

At the scene, a Honda sedan with a crushed windshield remained sat in the roadway as investigators blocked off the roadway and placed evidence markers.

The driver, a man in his 30s, did stop and tried to provide aid to the children, Lowe said. He was distraught but uninjured. Speed or driving under the influence were ruled out as factors in the crash.

Investigators remain on scene at 9:30 a.m. and were looking for witnesses who may have captured the crash on doorbell cameras. They were urged to call SDPD’s non-emergency line at 619-531-2000.

Pershing Middle School said they were providing couseling services to students this week. The school’s principal sent families a notification letter that provided other resources for parents, students and staff.

“All of us at Pershing are heartbroken by this loss. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Olsen family, the Willow family, and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” the letter said.

According to California Highway Patrol data, there have been three other car crashes injuring four students near the middle school within the last year. The three crashes injured a 15-year-old on foot, a 12-year-old bicyclist and a 12-year-old passenger, and another with an unidentified role. None resulted in fatalities.

“School is back in session so its everybody’s responsibility to look out for pedestrians,” Lowe said. “Halloween is coming up. It’s another good reminder to be aware of children crossing in the area.”

This is a developing story. Details may change as information is released.