15-year-old in critical condition after hit by pickup truck on Sunday night

A 15-year-old is fighting for his life atMcMaster Children's Hospital after being struck by a truck Sunday night the latest in what Hamilton police have called an "astounding" and "unacceptable" uptick in collisions involvingpedestrians.

Police say the teenager was crossingQueenston Road at Nash Road in Hamilton's east end, shortly after 11 p.m. when a driver behind the wheel of a 2006 Dodge Ram hit him.

The teen was taken to hospital in critical condition and the 79-year-old driver remained at the scene. Police say investigators have ruled out speed and impairment as causes for the incident.

The collision reconstruction unit is investigating and anyone with information can contact the service with information.

The incidentfollows a string of crashes that have killed eightpedestrians for context there were nine pedestrians killed in all of 2021 and four pedestrians killed in 2020.

Two weeks ago, Chief Frank Bergen said in a video the police service are focused on targeting speeders, aggressivedrivers, distracted drivers and drivers who are drinking or using drugs behind the steering wheel.

"We're also targeting Hamilton'sTop 10 collision intersections in an effort to reduce collisions and we're working closely with the City of Hamilton on implementing road safety reform," he said in a video posted online.

He also said people need to follow the rules of the road.

Warrant for suspect in Mountain hit and run

The latest incident involving the 15-year-old also comes as police have issued awarrant for a suspect in the most recent crash that killed a pedestrian a hit and run on the Mountain.

In the early morning hours ofApril 8, police sayGlen Harison Clark, 42,was hitby avehicle travelling south on Upper Wentworth Street. He later died.

Police say a 37-year-old man is now wanted for failing to remain at the scene causing death.

Officers say they don't know the suspect's location.

Grimsby man accused in Boris Brottdeath

Earlier that same week, on April 5, conductorBoris Brott was killed in a hit and run in Hamilton.

Police saidat roughly10:20 a.m., Brottwas hit on Park Street South at Markland Street. He died after being taken to hospital.

A police chase following the incident led to a crash atElmwood Avenue near Garth Street and West 19th Street.

The three officers and the accused were taken to hospital, according to police.

Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, is also investigating.

According to court documents, a 34-year-oldGrimsby man,Arsenije Lojovic, faces charges for failing to stop after a crash resulting in a death, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and breaching probation.

MPP urges province to take action

Sandy Shaw, NDP MPPfor Hamilton WestAncasterDundas, wrote a letter to provincialTransportation Minister Caroline Mulroney last week about the string of crashes.

"Preventable tragedies from collisions are on the rise in our community," she wrote. "In February, the 8th cyclist in less than two years was struck by a vehicle. Another collision in February marked at least the eighth time a Dundas pedestrian or cyclist was struck and injured in the past 21 months."

Shaw called for provincial action on the issue.

"Municipalities like Hamilton need provincial support and funding to develop active transportation plans that incorporate the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable road users."