Cape Coral teen in critical condition after being hit by pickup truck

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A 14-year-old girl is fighting for her life after being hit by a pickup truck while riding her scooter Friday night.

Stella Piscopo turned 14 years old the day before the crash. Instead of celebrating, she is hospitalized in critical condition with a broken leg, broken hip, and a brain bleed.

The crash happened at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard. Witnesses said Piscopo was crossing the street on her scooter when she was struck by a pickup truck.

Video from Friday night shows Piscopo riding her scooter and pausing at the intersection. She then waited for a break in traffic, went through the green light, and was hit by the pickup truck.

First responders rushed her to the hospital as a trauma alert before she was flown to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. Cape Coral police said Piscopo remains hospitalized.

"It's under investigation at this time. We do know that speeding was not a factor, drugs or alcohol were not a factor, either," said Lisa Greenberg, Cape Coral Police Department spokesperson.

Community members said this is another crash that has shaken the area. Neighbors said the intersection is dangerous and people need to be more aware.

"Everybody just needs to be more careful. Pay a little attention. Takes five extra seconds," said John Kimbrough, a Cape Coral resident.

Matt Marsico's son was hit by a car in the exact same spot a year ago. Marsico said his son survived the crash.

"He's alive, and he's, you know, in school right now, but it's been about a year and a week," Marsico said.

Marsico said something needs to change at the intersection.

"Maybe the police department or the schools can teach a bike safety class, maybe, or maybe, if they don't follow the rules, they get, like, maybe little fines or something like that. What else can we do to keep these kids from it's not all their fault, but a lot of it is," Marsico said.

"So if you're not paying attention and you're not following the same rules of the road that we are following, then maybe you shouldn't be on your bicycle," Marsico said.

Until changes are made, Marsico urged caution.

"Just be patient, hit the button cross. One way, hit the button again. Cross the other one. It might take a few minutes, but it could save your life," Marsico said.

The crash remains under investigation. No arrests have been made.