University Police, the Ann Arbor Fire Department and paramedics from Huron Valley Ambulance responded to a female who was hit by a blue Ford Fiesta Zipcar at approximately 7 p.m. in front of the Literature, Science, and the Arts Building at 500 S. State Street.
- Allison Kruske/Daily
- An Ann Arbor Firefighter cleans up the accident scene in front of the LSA building.
- Allison Kruske/Daily
- The above blue Ford Fiesta Zipcar hit the female crossing State Street.
Department of Public Safety Spokeswoman Diane Brown said the female, a University employee, was taken to the University Hospital. Bystanders said she hit her head, but was conscious when police arrived at the scene. However, she was observed to be bleeding from the head.
The police closed off State Street from William Street to South University for a further investigation of the incident at about 7:45 p.m., and re-opened the street at about 8 p.m.
The male driver, who also appeared to be the age of a student, was utilizing a car that is part of the Zipcar service — a company that provides rental cars to students at universities and in cities across the country. Police photographed his Zipcar and he was questioned by officers following the incident.
Zipcars are available for rent for a period of one hour or up to four days, according to the company’s website. The University has a partnership with the Zipcar service, and students, faculty and staff are available to rent Zipcars on campus if they are over 18 years old.
The Zipcar website states membership with the service includes “comprehensive insurance.”
— Daily News Editor Adam Rubenfire contributed to this report
Story Updated: This story has been updated to include Huron Valley paramedics as emergency responders at the scene of the accident. It has also been updated with the victim’s correct affiliation with the University. The woman’s condition has also been released, and can be found in this blog post.