Sep 1, 2013 2 min read

A Canonsburg man was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital after being struck by a car on South Central Avenue in Canonsburg not far from his home on Van Eman Street Saturday night.

Canonsburg police Sgt. Don Cross said Bertram Whitten, 59, of 25 Van Eman, was crossing South Central when he was hit by a car driven by Robert Williams, 88, of Canon House, 121 N. Central Ave., just before 8:30 p.m.

Whitten was walking to the Napa Auto Parts store, carrying an alternator when he was hit by the northbound car as he crossed South Central. Whitten went on to the hood of the car and hit the windshield, smashing it, before falling on to the road.

Williams, who Cross said was visibly upset, told police that he never saw Whiten. Whitten was wearing a brown T-shirt and black shorts and the lighting in that area is limited, both which may have been factors, Cross said. Williams told police that he was on his way home.

Several witnesses also stopped to assist.

Cross said the auto parts store had closed at 4 p.m. He said it is not clear why Whitten continued across South Central because he would have likely noticed there were no lights on inside the business. The alternator Whitten had been carrying was found under him along with a rag.

Whitten, who was conscious, had a head injury and also complained of leg and knee pain. Medics told police he also may have a punctured lung. He was flown from an empty lot to Allegheny General Hospital. Police said they received word from Whitten’s family that he remains hospitalized and had surgery on his leg Sunday.

An accident reconstruction specialist with the North Strabane Township police department is assisting in the investigation. Also assisting at the scene were officers from North Strabane and Chartiers townships as well as Canonsburg firefighters.