Mother, Children Struck by Car in Rolando

A driver lost control and ran into several people walking on a Rolando sidewalk Thursday afternoon – a mother and her two children.

One child, a 6-year-old girl, was hospitalized Friday in critical condition.

The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of 62nd Street and Acorn Street when an unlicensed, 18-year-old female driver of a green BMW lost control of her vehicle.

Police say the driver had reached for a drink that fell from her console and lost control of her car, driving onto the opposite side of the street.

Fire officials say the driver jumped the curb and took out a fire hydrant before striking a mother and two children, who were walking on the sidewalk.

“What I heard was the thump, and then the fire hydrant and then they were yelling ‘Help, help, somebody help,’” said Kraig Kingsley.

Officials say one of the children became trapped underneath the car following the collision.

Five to six Good Samaritans at the scene rushed to the child’s aid and were able to pull the girl out from underneath the car.

The woman and  her children were transported to nearby hospitals. Officials say the driver of the BMW was also taken to the hospital.

A family friend told NBC 7 San Diego the 6-year-old girl suffered multiple breaks in her leg, pelvis, her collarbone.

The woman and the 4-year-old boy in the stroller escaped with minor scrapes and bruises he said.

A child’s stroller was left behind at the scene, as well as other remnants of the accident.

Peter Soutowood's 5-year-old daughter was walking home from school with the family. He said her quick thinking kept her from being hit.

“She said she saw the car coming, it was weaving around on the road and she ran perpendicular to the car and got out of the way,” Soutowood said.

The collision is still under investigation.

"This is why we we have driver education classes," said Soutowood. "You're supposed to have a driver's permit."

At this time, no charges have been filed. Officials said the woman was not speeding or under the influence at the time of the accident.

"It was just an unlucky accident. I don't bear any ill will to people who have accidents. I'm just glad that everyone is okay,' he said.