Grandmother loses both legs after being hit by dump truck in Tolleson

TOLLESON, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- A grandmother is fighting for her life after being hit by a dump truck while walking with her granddaughter Monday morning in Tolleson. It happened in the area of 91st Avenue and Van Buren Street.

Friends say Maria Mira Montes and her 2-year-old granddaughter were walking to church and crossed the street. Police said the truck driver was stopped at an intersection and for some reason, went through the intersection and ran over Montes. “The truck may have been at a stand still at the stop sign and was either looking at maps or directions or whatnot and she crossed the road. She does have the right of way and the truck driver must’ve continued on, didn’t see her,” said Tolleson Police Sgt. Obed Gayton. Friends said Montes pushed her granddaughter to safety and the girl wasn’t hurt.

Montes was rushed to the hospital and friends said she lost both her legs and is still in critical condition. While no charges have been filed, police are investigating impairment as a possible factor in the crash. Friends said Montes loves cooking, hosting friends in her apartment, and going on walks with her dog and granddaughter. Arizona’s Family reached out to the construction company, Torrent Drilling, which said it is cooperating with the police.

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