A staff member was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after they were struck by a pole that a vehicle crashed into outside of Buffalo Grove High School Tuesday afternoon.
The Buffalo Grove Police Department and Buffalo Grove Fire Department responded around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday to Buffalo Grove High School, 1100 West Dundee Road in Buffalo Grove, for a vehicle crash with injuries.
Emergency crews arrived and found a car and a pedestrian involved at the entrance-exit to the parking lot off Dundee Road east of Arlington Heights Road.
Police said the pedestrian, a staff member of the high school, was found to have life-threatening injuries.
The crash originated on school grounds as a dark-colored four-door sedan was attempting to exit the parking lot onto Dundee Road.
The vehicle left the roadway and struck a pole, which then struck the staff member, police officials said.
Buffalo Grove police officers were on the scene “immediately” and provided emergency medical aid before paramedics arrived, police officials said.
The staff member was transported to a local hospital where they remain in critical condition.
“This is a tragic incident which has deeply impacted our high school community,” Buffalo Grove Police Chief Brian Budds said.
“Our thoughts are with the staff member, their loved ones, and all those impacted during this difficult time,” Budds said.
Dundee Road was shut down for approximately three and a half hours following the incident.
The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) was activated to conduct a full investigation.
Police officials say the driver of the vehicle involved has been fully cooperating.
School officials said the incident occurred after school ended and cars were turning onto Dundee Road during dismissal.
School officials said details surrounding the “traumatic” incident are still being investigated.
After-school athletic events were being coordinated with the school’s transportation providers and parents were asked to use the Arlington Heights Road entrance-exit while Dundee Road remained closed.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation by the Buffalo Grove Police Department Traffic Unit and MCAT.