Fundraiser started after five children hit by van as they crossed a Pollock Pines road in a crosswalk

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Five children were hit by a vehicle as they were at a crosswalk on Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines on Wednesday. The children were students at Pine Top Montessori, a school that serves children ages 3-6 and were on their way to a park during a field trip when hit.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), four of the children were airlifted to hospitals, and another was transported by ambulance.

Not many details are available, but at this time law enforcement says the 21-year-old male driver of the Ford E-150 remained on the scene after his vehicle struck the children. CHP said alcohol, drugs, or speeding do not appear to be a factor.

The family of one of the children airlifted, a four-year-old named Juniper, started a GoFundMe to help which the medical emergency and the El Dorado Community Foundation (EDCF) has started a fund for all five of the kids.

"The whole community is devastated by the tragic events near Pine Top Montessori in Pollock Pines yesterday morning," said EDCF in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected. While we don’t yet know the full extent of the tragedy, we do know that there will be monetary needs for those affected."

The foundation has a fund specifically for things like this, called the Community Resource Fund. All donations to this account with "Pine Top Montessori" in the description will go to support the victims of this tragedy and their families.

"We know that no amount of money can fix the damage that was done, but we can help to lessen the financial burdens of the families involved," continued EDCF. "Our community has always stepped forward when needs have arisen, and we know this time will be no different. Our community is strong, resilient, and filled with heart, even when our collective hearts are breaking in the face of tragedy."

Donations can be made to the Community Resource Fund at with Pine Top Montessori noted in the “Additional Information” section.

Checks can be mailed to: El Dorado Community Foundation, PO Box 1388,
Placerville, CA 95667. "Pine Top Montessori" should be noted in the memo line.

Placerville CHP has been receiving numerous calls and wants to reach the Pollock Pines community at a community incident debrief on Monday, June 5 at 6 p.m. They will discuss and answer questions pertaining to the horrific crash involving the five children. It will be held in the Pinewood Elementary multi-purpose room, located at 6181 Pine Street in Pollock Pines. Various other stakeholders and community resources will also be present and will be participating in the discussion.

Pine Top Montessori released a statement Thursday morning regarding the crash that read:

"At Pine Top Montessori, the well-being of each child under our care is our highest priority. We consider all our students to be a part of our family. Our hearts and prayers are with all our families, and we are sending our prayers for their speedy recovery. We remain in close communication with authorities and parents to address the issue. To ensure the safety of all children, we respectfully ask that only parents and their children visit our facility."