Friends and family are mourning an 11-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Lehigh County Monday.
Abigail Zukowski was walking home from school with her friend on 6th and Chestnut streets in Emmaus shortly after 4 p.m. when they were struck by a vehicle passing by. Christina Hackert told NBC10 she was driving when she spotted the two girls lying on the street.
"Once I saw what it was I just left my car running and ran right over there," Hackert said. "Abigail was worse and I just went right over to her and checked her pulse and rubbed her back and she gasped for air a few times and I just stayed with her."
Hackert told NBC10 the driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene and medics arrived in minutes.
"I held the oxygen mask on her until we got her in the ambulance and then I took over the chest compressions while they were working on other parts of her," Hackert said.
Abigail was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest where she died from multiple blunt force injuries. Her friend is currently in critical condition.
"It's tragic and it should've never happened," Hackert said.
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A memorial was set up at the scene of the crash. Residents say speeding has often been an issue at the busy intersection.
"A lot of people tend to speed through here," said Angie Groller. "I live right down the street and I've already seen people go through red lights a lot."
NBC10 also spotted a vehicle run through a red light at the intersection on Tuesday. Parents believe something needs to be done to protect pedestrians who walk in the area.
"Maybe putting some crossing guards in the area," said Jackie Bonstingl. "Things like that maybe could've prevented this from happening."
Abigail attended Jefferson Elementary School in Emmaus. Both police and counselors were at the school on Tuesday.
The girl also played in the UMYA soccer league for four seasons. The league organized a vigil for Abigail which took place at Jasper Park in Emmaus Tuesday night.
The accident remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.
