The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) is actively investigating a hit-and-run incident involving a motorcycle and a vehicle, which resulted in serious injuries to a child on Friday night.

Incident Details

Time and Location

The collision occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. at the intersection of White Avenue and Independence Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. A gray KIA Soul was turning left from northbound White Avenue onto westbound Independence Avenue.

Collision Description

The KIA, after stopping at a stop sign, entered the intersection where it collided with an eastbound orange Kawasaki Z125 motorcycle. The impact was significant, causing the motorcycle to crash.

Injuries and Immediate Aftermath

• Motorcycle Driver: Sustained minor injuries.
• Child Passenger: Suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital. The child was wearing a helmet, which likely prevented even more severe injuries.

Driver’s Actions

After the collision, the driver of the KIA Soul fled the scene without stopping. KCPD later located the abandoned vehicle but has yet to apprehend the driver responsible.

Investigation Status

KCPD is conducting an ongoing investigation to identify and locate the driver of the KIA Soul. The community is urged to provide any information that could assist in the investigation.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

This incident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for drivers to adhere to traffic laws, particularly regarding the duty to stop and provide assistance following a collision. The safety of child passengers, especially on motorcycles, is also highlighted as a critical issue.

Relevant Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hit-and-run crashes are a significant problem across the United States. In 2019, there were over 737,100 hit-and-run crashes, with fatalities resulting in approximately 24% of these incidents. Motorcycle riders and passengers are particularly vulnerable in collisions, often sustaining more severe injuries compared to occupants of larger vehicles.

Call to Action

Residents of Kansas City and surrounding areas are encouraged to report any information regarding this hit-and-run incident to the KCPD. Ensuring road safety and accountability is a shared responsibility, and community involvement is crucial in bringing justice for the injured child and preventing future incidents.

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