The Mayor of Eden Prairie says the city is planning to look into the intersection after a 27-year old mother and her four children were hit while crossing the road last Thursday.
The mother and two of the children were on foot. She was also pulling a wagon that carried her other two children. The vehicle struck the mother and the children in the wagon, then fled the scene. The search continues for the driver.
“Our hearts are with this family during what is an unimaginably difficult time,” said Eden Prairie Sgt. Bryan Dean.
Mitchell Road is a well used thoroughfare in Eden Prairie, and nearing the intersection of Chestnut, there is a spot the mayor of Eden Prairie is concerned about.
"The road crests in a small hill, I wouldn't call it a hill, but it rises slightly," says Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case.
Case drives Mitchell road every day, and while it hasn't seen an unusually high number of incidents, anytime there is a tragedy that critically injured a two-year old, Case says it is time to stop and re-examine it. He says they need to figure out if changes can be made to make it safer.
"I mean lighting might be an issue. Maybe we can put more of a a streetlight in this area," says Case. "Signage right now, there's a sign at the crosswalk, we could certainly add additional signs."
The mayor also says that obviously, the family is struggling to cope.
"You know, I mean, our hearts obviously go out to the family, but particularly wishing the very best for this 2-year old little girl, I believe," Case adds.
It happened last Thursday evening. The mother was pulling the children on a wagon when they were hit, leaving a two-year old is in critical condition at Hennepin Healthcare. Two of the children were unharmed. Another child and the mother are out of the hospital.
"Anytime there's a tragic accident like occurred, it definitely draws our attention to this particular crosswalk, and we are going to be studying it more," Case explained.
Investigators haven’t released any more details about the make or model but did say the vehicle was white. They are asking anyone who was in the area to come forward if they have information or video.
Anyone who may have seen a white vehicle traveling north on Mitchell Road around 8:20 p.m. on Aug. 21, or anyone with dashcam or home surveillance footage that might help identify the vehicle, should come forward.
“Even the smallest detail could help identify the driver and deliver the justice this family deserves,” said Dean. “To the person responsible, or anyone who knows them — do the right thing. Come forward.”
How to Submit a Tip
Call the Eden Prairie Police Department at 952-949-6200
Submit photos or videos using this link here.
Tips can be submitted anonymously.