LOWELL, MASS, A man was rushed to the hospital after being struck by a police cruiser near the UMass Lowell campus Thursday evening, according to Lowell police.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. outside the O’Leary Library on Wilder Street near Bachelder Street. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the injured man to a hospital. Authorities have not released details about his condition.
A UMass Lowell shuttle bus was also pulled over nearby as police secured the area and began their investigation.
Students familiar with the intersection said it is often busy with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, particularly during the evening hours.
“The police usually patrol so they’re usually aware of the surroundings, so it’s kind of surprising that they would have hit someone right there because there are signs that say there’s a crosswalk there,” said UMass Lowell student Meghan Kimtis. “We got an alarming text while we were in school saying to stay away from Wilder Street and Broadway Street due to road closure, which never really closes. So when it’s really shut down, it’s when it’s a concern.”
In a statement, UMass Lowell acknowledged the incident and expressed concern for those affected.
“The thoughts of the UMass Lowell community are with those involved in this tragic incident,” the statement read. “The university will be making counseling resources available on Friday to members of the UMass Lowell community who witnessed the incident and are in need of support.”
Lowell police said the incident remains under investigation, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police. Additional details are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
