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IUP Student Struck By Vehicle, Hospitalized With Critical Injuries

INDIANA, Pa. (KDKA) -- An Indiana University of Pennsylvania student from Washington County was hospitalized with critical injuries over the weekend after he was hit by a car near campus.

The accident happened in the 800-block of School Street near Pratt Avenue around 11:20 p.m. Saturday.

Authorities say Brandon Bushmire, 20, of Canonsburg, a sophomore studying business management, stepped into the path of a speeding car.

"I come out and I see him trying to breathe, and I see my buddy, Grant, who is his best friend and his roommate, he's over there in a mess," said Shawn Bartman, a witness. "He's bawling."

According to investigators, Bushmire had allegedly been drinking with friends at a nearby house party.

He was taken by ambulance to Indiana Regional Medical Center and then flown to Allegheny General Hospital with critical injuries.

"I saw cops investigating the scene of course. They made the caution tape around here," said Bartman.

The driver, identified by officials as a 23-year-old IUP student from Philadelphia, has not been charged.

Witnesses told police he appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed through a 25 mile per hour zone.

"There may be charges - that would be pending the results of the investigation," said Chief Bill Sutton, of Indiana Police. "At this time, there's a suspected DUI, but that's also pending investigation."

IUP is making counselors available to students.

The university's president sent students an email encouraging them to send online greetings to Bushmire through the Allegheny General website.

"It's just heartbreaking when we hear about our students involved in these kinds of tragedies," said Michelle Fryling, of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. "We are reaching out to the family. The family has been wonderful. They know that we're very concerned, that our students are very concerned."

As police continue to investigate, they are reaching out to the community for help. If you saw the crash or heard something about it, Indiana Borough Police would like you to contact them.

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