Three children hit by car in Niles

NILES, Mich. -- Three children were hit by a vehicle near the intersection of N. 13th and Sycamore streets in Niles Thursday afternoon.

Niles Police, along with Niles Fire, the Berrien County sheriff's Department and SMCAS ambulance, responded to the scene at 2:56 p.m.

Based on information from the driver and witnesses, police say four juveniles were walking westbound on the sidewalk of Sycamore Street when they stepped into the intersection into the path of a vehicle traveling northbound on 13th Street.

The vehicle struck three of the four juveniles.

All three were transported to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

Eastside Connection's Principal Joe Racht released the following statement about the accident:

"Today after school four students were struck by a motor vehicle at the corner of 13th and Sycamore St. Staff members were able to spend time with the locally transported students and I was able to spend time with the students transported a bit further away. The parents of the involved students have given me permission to reassure ECS families that serious injuries were not sustained and all girls are in good condition."

Police said the crash remains under investigation but drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash.