Girl hit by bus out of intensive care unit

A Mt. Lebanon girl hit by a Port Authority bus is out of intensive care.

Karissa Armstrong, 10, was upgraded from critical to fair condition over the weekend at Children's Hospital. She has been in the Oakland hospital for the past week, after suffering severe pelvic injuries in an accident at the intersection of Washington Road and Cedar Boulevard.

Armstrong had been walking to Washington Elementary School with her younger sister and tried to cross Cedar Boulevard below the crosswalk at Washington. Police said she was looking the other way and walked into the side of the bus. The bus knocked her down and the rear tires ran over her.

Children's Hospital spokeswoman Melanie Finnigan said she can't say how long it might be before Armstrong's release, and she wouldn't discuss specifics about the girl's injuries. The next upgrade after fair would be good condition, and that comes before release. Family members could not be reached for comment.

Cynthia Fryer, the Armstrongs' school-assigned buddy to help them make a smooth transition to the district, said that the family's energy was focused inwardly.

"All Melissa's energy is going into taking care of Karissa right now," Fryer said, referring to the fourth-grade's mother, Melissa Armstrong. The family had moved to Mt. Lebanon from Upper St. Clair before the current school year.

Mt. Lebanon police Deputy Chief Henry Egal said the department received verbal notification from Port Authority officials on Monday that bus driver William Evans III had tested negative for drugs. Evans has been suspended with pay pending a Port Authority investigation, a standard move after accidents.

Port Authority Spokesman Bob Grove said Evans would have no comment on the accident.

"It's been pretty traumatic for him," Grove said. Because Armstrong walked into the side of the bus, Evans didn't know until later that the accident had occurred, authorities said.

Fryer said that just because Armstrong's condition has improved, that doesn't mean she doesn't need help from the community.

To that end, a benefit fund has been started for Armstrong. Fryer said response has been good, but the family has a long road ahead.

"This is a life-altering experience," she said. "Her life will never be the same, and we still have to help her."

Donations to help with medical and personal expenses can be sent care of Fidelity Bank, Mt. Lebanon Branch, 728 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Checks should be made out to the Karissa Armstrong Benefit Fund.