A pedestrian was critically injured Monday night in a hit-and-run crash in Somerville, Massachusetts, and the search is on for the vehicle involved, state police said.
State police received a call around 8:50 p.m. for a hit-and-run on McGrath Highway, which is Route 28 at the intersection with Broadway, in Somerville.
One person was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.
An eyewitness told NBC10 Boston that the victim was coming from a nearby Stop & Shop and was carrying grocery bags when he was hit. He says the impact of the crash was so bad that the victim's shoes were knocked off his feet. That eyewitness also tells NBC10 Boston that the victim was breathing but not saying anything.
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"I see an old man laying on the floor with Stop and Shop grocery bags everywhere. I’m on the floor I’m like, 'Hey man. What's your name? Are you good?' And he’s still breathing a little, and we was just sitting there waiting for the people to get here. And they got here."
According to police, the driver of the vehicle involved fled the scene after striking the pedestrian. Police initially said investigators were looking for an SUV or van, that was possibly white and may have lettering on the said. Later police said investigators are searching for a white van with front end damage.
“How you going to hit somebody and just leave? You can't just leave, you gotta pull over and make sure he, she okay," the eyewitness said to NBC10 Boston. "What if you hit your own family member? You're not gonna stop over to check, you know what I'm saying? It’s common sense.”
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Investigators were still on scene interviewing witnesses as of 10:20 p.m.
Two left lanes of Route 28 northbound were closed following the crash to facilitate the investigation, which included an accident reconstruction team responding to the scene. Drivers were asked to avoid the area if possible, but all lanes have since reopened.
An investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information pertaining to this crash is asked to call the Medford barracks at 781-396-0100.
