AMHERST, N.Y. -- Around 7:30 Saturday, three teenage girls crossed Maple Road near Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

The girls paused at the median but two of them then continued on and were struck by a jeep.

"It appears it was just an accident, that the girls ran in front of the car and the driver that struck the girls was unaware that this accident was about to happen," Lt. Patrick Lucey said.

Erin Suszynski is in critical condition at Women and Children's hospital and Briana Francois is in serious condition at E.C.M.C.

Several people including an on-duty Amherst Police officer witnessed the accident.

"The Amherst Police officer was right there. He did call for help right away. We had the hospital right across the street. There were some things in their favor. Hopefully it will turn out to be positive," Lucey said.

Neighbors said Maple Road is a busy street and expressed concern about not having a crosswalk very close by.

Doris Cairns, who lives in a nearby condiminium complex, said construction on the street has made it more hazardous.

"The traffic backs up and whether these young kids didn't realize how fast these cars go, once they go by the work zone, then they're off and running," she said.

Amherst Police said there is a signal by the hospital and traffic slows down during the day because there is a school across the street.

"We really don't have much of a traffic problem there. It's a clear well-seen area, where there are no obstructions at all," Lucey said.

Cairns said right now she is praying for the teenagers.

"It's heartwrenching, when they're so young, any age, but when they're young and they're just starting their life," she said. "I just hope that they pull through."

Police said it's unlikely the driver will be charged.