Boy hit by truck while walking to Mundelein school

A 10-year-old student at West Oak Middle School in Mundelein was seriously injured after being hit by a pickup truck while walking to school Thursday morning, Lake County Sheriff officials said.

The unidentified boy was walking on the shoulder of the eastbound lanes of Route 60/83 near Mundelein about 6:50 a.m. when he attempted to cross the busy street on his way to school, Sgt. Christopher Thompson said.

When the boy crossed into the westbound lanes just before the Route 60 and Route 83 split, he was struck by a landscaping pickup, Thompson said.

The unidentified driver stopped and contacted police and rescue officials, Thompson said.

The boy was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville before being airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Thompson said, where he is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

"Witnesses at the scene said the driver could not avoid the accident," Thompson said. "The child has multiple broken bones in his legs and upper body, as well as a serious skull fracture, but he is stable at Lutheran General."

The 58-year-old driver from Waukegan was tested for any impairments, Thompson said, but it does not appear alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

Thompson said no citations have been issued.

"The driver of the pickup was extremely shook up," he said. "Once the investigation is complete, we'll make a determination if any citations should be issued."

Thompson said Route 60/83 was shut down in both directions for about three hours between Diamond Lake and Midlothian roads.