A driver was taken to the hospital with critical injuries after being run over by a U-Haul moving van on Friday morning, according to police.
The incident happened at around 10:04 a.m. on West Longview Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Authorities said the driver had stopped the GMC U-Haul van on the roadway and stepped out of the vehicle while it was still in gear.
Moments later, the van began to roll. Police said the driver then attempted to get back into the driver’s seat to stop the vehicle.
Van Began Moving After Driver Exited
According to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, the driver was outside the van when it started moving. As the driver tried to re-enter the vehicle, they were struck and knocked down.
Police said the driver then fell into the path of the moving van and was run over by the rear wheels.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and transported the injured driver to a local hospital. Officials said the person was listed in critical but stable condition.
Police Continue Investigation
Authorities have not released the driver’s name or additional details about what led up to the incident. It is not yet clear how long the van had been stopped before it began rolling or whether any mechanical issue may have contributed.
Police confirmed that an investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Investigators are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the crash, including how the vehicle was left in gear and whether the roadway conditions played any role.
Safety Concerns Around Unattended Vehicles
The incident highlights the danger of leaving a vehicle in gear, especially on or near a roadway. Even a brief moment outside a running or unsecured vehicle can become dangerous if the vehicle begins to move unexpectedly.
Drivers are generally urged to make sure a vehicle is fully secured before stepping out. That includes shifting into park, setting the parking brake when needed, and turning off the vehicle in situations where it may roll.
Large moving vans can be especially dangerous because of their size, weight, and limited visibility. If one begins moving without a driver in control, it can be difficult to stop safely.
Community Awaiting Further Updates
The crash left at least one person seriously injured and caused concern in the area as emergency responders worked at the scene. Police have not reported whether any other vehicles or pedestrians were involved.
Further updates may be released as investigators gather more information.
A driver remains in critical but stable condition after being run over by a U-Haul van that reportedly began rolling after being left in gear. Police said the driver had exited the vehicle on West Longview Road and was injured while trying to get back inside.
The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.