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CEDAR CITY — A 14-year-old girl was critically injured Friday when she was hit by two vehicles while walking on I-15 in Cedar City.
The Utah Highway Patrol initially said it was a woman who was hit but later discovered the girl is a student in the Iron County School District.
The teen, whose name has not been released, "apparently crossed a fence and entered the freeway on foot" and was hit shortly after 8:30 a.m., a statement from UHP says. Investigators are still working to determine why she was walking on the freeway.
One of the vehicles that hit the girl stopped, but troopers say the other continued north on I-15. UHP is attempting to identify and contact the driver of the vehicle that left.
The girl was treated on scene by paramedics and then flown to a hospital via helicopter. An update on her condition was not available Friday afternoon.
The Iron County School District released a statement confirming the girl is a student.
"We understand that she is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital," the statement says. "We are working with law enforcement authorities to further investigate the incident. The family has been notified. Our heart goes out to the family, staff and students affected by this tragic accident."
Additionally, the district says a support team will be available at Canyon View Middle School and Canyon View High School on Monday. Counselors and therapists will also be on hand to meet with any students or staff in need throughout the day on Friday and next week, as needed.
All northbound lanes of I-15 were closed at exit 59, near the junction with state Route 56, for several hours while the incident was investigated. All lanes had reopened as of 11 a.m.
