A 15-year-old Ellison High School sophomore who was struck by a car early Wednesday afternoon as she crossed a busy street next to the school remained in critical condition Thursday at Scott & White Hospital in Temple

The girl, who was not identified, was struck by a Nissan Cube as she returned to the school just before 1 p.m. Wednesday.

A medical helicopter was requested and touched down in a field next to the school, and the girl was flown to Scott & White.

She was talking on her cell phone when she walked into the path of the oncoming car, which was headed south in the outside lane in the 3800 block of Trimmier Road, police spokeswoman Carroll Smith said Thursday.

The driver of the Nissan was not injured.

The names of the girl and the driver will not be released, Smith said.

The accident is under investigation, she said.

Late Wednesday afternoon the Killeen ISD issued a statement in which it said counseling would be available for the school’s students, staff and faculty.

“At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this unfortunately incident,” Killeen Superintendent John Craft said in the statement.