A D&D Drywall van struck a pedestrian walking on Summit Street yesterday during rush hour. The accident took place near 1100 Summit St. across from the Science and Research building, just south of Fraternity Avenue.

Traffic slowed around 4:30 p.m. when police, fire and rescue crews arrived on the scene. Kent Fire Department Lt. Dave Manthey said a girl had been hit and taken to the hospital. The victim, presumed to be a student, has not been identified.

The driver, Anthony James of Ravenna, said he locked his brakes up to avoid rear-ending the car in front of him. In the process, his van veered off the road and hit the pedestrian.

“If I would’ve seen her, I would have hit the car (in front of me),” James said. “This is the worst day I’ve had for a long time.”

Brett Long, James’ passenger and co-worker, said he saw the girl walking, but could not alert James in time.

“At first, we thought she was dead,” Long said. “That’s why people should have sidewalks.”

The Kent Fire Department rushed the pedestrian to a nearby hospital and the van’s passenger and driver appeared shaken.

Contact safety reporter Michael Lewis at [email protected].