FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are investigating two multi-vehicle crashes that happened several blocks apart in Fort Lauderdale, one that sent a child and a mail carrier to the hospital and another involving a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, a car ran a red light and caused a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of Northwest 21st Avenue and 19th Street, at around 3 p.m., Wednesday.
One of the vehicles involved jumped a curb and struck an 8-year-old boy who was standing on the sidewalk.
A U.S. Postal Service truck was also involved in the crash, whose driver was also injured.
The crash was called in by a BSO deputy who happened to be nearby.
West of the incident, a second crash involving another deputy took place shortly after, in the area of Northwest 26th Avenue and 19th Street.
Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue responded to both crash sites shortly after.
The child was transported to Broward Medical Health Center in extremely critical condition.
A police officer was seen returning to the ambulance to grab a backpack to bring into the hospital.
“That’s crazy, a little boy being hit here by a car, and this is still the remainder of it,” said witness Akasha Stacey as she stood near the intersection where the victim was hit.
7News cameras captured parts of a red Toyota Yaris scattered across the roadway, as well as a crosswalk sign that was knocked down.
Paramedics also transported the postal worker to an area hospital. Her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
The deputy was not hurt. Minor injuries were reported at the site of the second crash.
It remains unclear whether or not both crashes are related.
The intersection of Northwest 21st Avenue and 19th Street remained closed in both directions for hours. It has since reopened to traffic.
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