A pedestrian crossing N.C. Highway 17/Carolina Avenue in Washington was hit by a passing vehicle Tuesday evening and transported to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville with serious injuries.

According to Lt. William Chrismon, spokesman for the Washington Police Department, Carolyn R. Eagle, 49, was crossing the five-lane highway near West Ninth Street when she was struck by 2005 Mercury driven by John Michael Lane of Red Springs. At the time of impact, the car was traveling 35 mph, Chrismon said.

“It was reasonable speed for that highway,” Chrismon said.

Though initially reported as a hit and run, Chrismon said that was not the case — the driver did not leave the scene, but slowed to stop some 180 feet away.

The call to EMS came in at 5:22 p.m., and it was reported to medical personnel that Eagle was not conscious and had suffered facial lacerations and broken bones. She was initially taken to Vidant Beaufort Hospital but was transferred to Greenville later with what first responders called “pretty serious injuries.”

Chrismon said that stretch of Carolina Avenue does not often see pedestrian accidents, at least, no more than any other area, but it is not particularly well lit.

“Pedestrians have the right of way, but they also need to heed passing cars on a five-lane highway,” Chrismon said.

Chrismon encouraged pedestrians to only cross streets at crosswalks.

Police have filed no charges against Lane, but Chrismon said the investigation into the accident is ongoing.