Twin brothers on bikes hit near Merritt Island High School, troopers say

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – Twin brothers hurt in a crash on Merritt Island Thursday were airlifted to an area hospital, troopers said.

The accident occurred at 3:45 p.m. near North Courtenay Parkway and Grove Boulevard.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver of a 2014 Chevrolet pickup truck was attempting to make a left turn out of Merritt Island High School to travel south on Courtenay Parkway, and the two children were riding bicycles into the southbound crosswalk when the pickup struck them. 

The 37-year-old woman panicked and continued to press the accelerator, running over both riders, officials said. 

The brothers were airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. FHP said they were listed in stable condition.

Both children were wearing helmets at the time. Troopers said the driver was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.