KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The first wave of rain this morning may have contributed to a serious accident in midtown.

A college student was critically injured after she was struck by a van while crossing Troost Avenue at 53rd Street.

In today's case, investigators say a 20-year old music major was heading away from Rockhurst University when a van rammed into her.

The student was crossing Troost just before 10 a.m. Traffic in one southbound lane had stopped completely, but a van apparently swerved to get around the stopped traffic, KMBC's Peggy Breit reported. The van ran right into the young woman.

"Indications from the witnesses that the driver of the van apparently took some kind of evasive action at the last minute, swerving to her left. And (she) just was not quite able to keep from striking the pedestrian," said Detective Jay McCune with the Kansas City, Mo., police.

Witnesses said the van hit the victim with such force, the young woman was knocked out of her shoes and propelled for some distance.

Students say they know the street is busy. Many dart across heavy traffic every day.

"I guess the safest way is just to run into the middle when there is a spot open here, and then run across again when you see a spot open on the other side," said Anita Vijayakumar, a medical student at the university.

Another student said he is aware of the need for caution when crossing Troost.

"Traffic's usually pretty heavy, but usually somebody stops. I usually wait for a little while and then it's clear," said Jordan Keiser, who also attends Rockhurst.

Investigators believe excessive speed was not involved in the accident, but said wet streets may have made it more difficult for the vehicle to stop.

Authorities have not released the name of the victim, pending notification of her family in China. The Chinese New Year celebrations currently under way in that country are contributing to the difficulty.

The victim remains in critical condition at an area hospital.