Girl, 7, struck by vehicle near East Pender and Victoria Drive, released with minor injuries

A seven-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle near East Pender Street and Victoria Drive in Vancouver and has been released from hospital with minor injuries, the Vancouver Police Department said.

According to the VPD, the incident happened at about 8:30 a.m. on a Thursday. Officers were in the area for an unrelated call and saw the girl try to cross mid-block between parked vehicles to reach her parents' vehicle.

Police said she ran into the roadway and was hit by a vehicle travelling at approximately 20 km/h. The VPD said the driver could not see the child before she entered the road. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.

The girl was taken to hospital. She has since been released.

A reminder as days get shorter

The VPD used the incident to ask drivers and parents to take extra caution as daylight hours shrink and visibility worsens.

Constable Megan Lui said the incident is a reminder for both pedestrians and drivers to be careful, particularly during darker morning and evening commutes.

Police also encouraged families to plan ahead for Halloween trick-or-treating.

What to know

• The speed is a police estimate.
• The VPD encourages families to remind children to use crosswalks, stay visible and watch for traffic.