An 11-year-old boy was seriously injured when he was reportedly hit by a car in Sandys Thursday afternoon, police said.

Officers and other first responders attended the incident at about 3.45pm on Somerset Road, just outside Somerset Bridge Apartments.

The Bermuda Police Service said: “It was reported that a male student, understood to be an 11-year-old boy, was attempting to cross the roadway after getting off a minibus, when he was struck by a car travelling along the opposite side of the road.

“Initially conscious, but suspected to have sustained head injuries, he was attended to at the scene by EMTs and subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“At last check, he was listed in serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit.”

Part of the road where the incident happened was closed for about three hours, and traffic was diverted on to the Railway Trail while the scene was forensically processed.

The BPS added: “We wish to thank the public for their understanding and co-operation during inquiries at the scene. We also thank those witnesses who spoke with police on site.”

An investigation was started, and anyone else with relevant information was asked to contact Constable Denise Taylor on 247-1683 or by e-mail at dtaylor@bps.bm.

The BPS said: “You may also call the main police number 295-0011 or speak with a police officer you know.”

Information can he provided through the community reporting portal at portal.police.bm.

The BPS added: “The Bermuda Police Service appeals to members of the public not to circulate any video that may have been recorded at this collision scene.”

News of the accident drew an emotional response from two Progressive Labour Party MPs in the House of Assembly this afternoon.

Speaking during the motion to adjourn, area MP Jamahl Simmons said: “I just wanted to stand and express my sympathies and prayers for an 11-year-old boy, who was struck across from the Somerset Bridge apartments yesterday.

“The family is of course waiting to see how it plays out for him health wise and medically, but … a beautiful family, a beautiful young man, beautiful wife and beautiful son, struck on the street.

“While the circumstances have not been put out there fully in the public, I think it’s a very strong reminder for all of us in this holiday season to be vigilant on our roads, to express care, caution and courtesy to each other, because this can have devastating effects on families and lives.

“My family is praying for them and I encourage the people of Bermuda to extend their prayers for this young man and his family.”

Dennis Lister III, a Government backbencher and chairman of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, said: “It is sad to hear that there was an accident with a young man that has been seriously injured.

“I want to send a road safety message. Right now the Bermuda Road Safety Council are running a road safety campaign called ‘Save Lives, Slow Down’.”

“We have to, especially in this Christmas season, we want everyone to share this time with their family and friends and loved ones, but we want them to do it safely.

“Just remember all the road rules — the speed limit is 35kph — 35 keeps you alive and we want people to be alive, stay alive, and arrive alive.

“Our tag for this campaign is ‘Slow down, your family is waiting for you’. I want everyone to remember that if they’re on the roads over this holiday period. Slow down, your family will be waiting for you.”