An 11-year old male suffered serious injuries after he was struck by a van Wednesday afternoon while crossing a street, in Council Bluffs. Council Bluffs Police say Blake Smith, of Council Bluffs, was transported by Council Bluffs Fire and Rescue to Nebraska Medicine, after he was hit by a 2004 Ford full-size van at around 3:30-p.m.. The driver of the van was identified as 52-year old Rex Miles, of Council Bluffs.

Police say Miles was traveling west on East Kanesvillle Boulevard in the right lane. Traffic was reported to be stopped in the left, westbound lane, for a red light ahead. Miles and witnesses told police that Blake ran northbound across Kanesville and through the stopped line of vehicles in the left lane, before crossing into Miles’ path.

Miles said he didn’t see Blake until it was too late. He attempted to stop, but his van struck Blake before Miles could stop. The Council Bluffs Police Traffic Unit is conducting an investigation into the crash. At this time, impairment and speed do not appear to be factors in accident.