Sugar Grove boy hit by truck in critical condition

A 14-year-old boy remained in critical condition Wednesday, a day after he was struck by a semitrailer while crossing Route 47 on a bicycle, police said.

Sugar Grove Police Investigator John Sizer said the boy suffered a severe head injury and a broken leg when he was hit by the 75,000-pound truck on the south end of the village. Sizer said the boy, previously identified as 15 years old, was listed in critical condition at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital's pediatric intensive care unit.

The accident on Route 47 at Prairie Street happened about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday as the Kaneland Middle School student attempted to cross the highway from the west while on his way home, Sizer said.

Witnesses told police a van traveling south on Route 47 struck the rear of the boy's bicycle, causing him to lose control and cross into the path of a fully loaded northbound semitrailer. Sizer said the truck was traveling no more than the posted speed limit of 45 mph.

"At this point in the investigation, it doesn't appear any citations will be issued unless something changes dramatically," he said. "Needless to say, the drivers of both vehicles were pretty shaken up. It happened so fast."

The accident closed Route 47 for about two hours Tuesday. Police are asking witnesses to call (630) 466-4526, ext. 37.