INDIANAPOLIS -- A 12-year-old girl was struck and killed while in-line skating on Indianapolis' west side Tuesday evening, police said.

Helaina Hawkins was hit by a vehicle as she was crossing from the south side of 10th Street with group of about five kids near 10th Street and Country Club Road just after 6 p.m., said Sgt. Paul Thompson.

Police said the driver -- Clarence Waters, 60, of Waterloo -- said he didn't see the girl in the dimly lit area. She was the only child struck.

The area doesn't have sidewalks, but does have a lot of children, neighbors said.

"You can't even imagine something like this happening," said neighbor Kenyada Griffin. "We're asking about all the kids because they all converse right here in the front, and they all play here. This is like the hangout."

Family members said Hawkins had just turned 12 on Saturday.