An elderly man is recovering today after being struck by an SUV on Van Nest Avenue.

Police say the 78-year-old man was crossing against the signal on Van Nest Avenue around 6:20 a.m. when a black SUV crashed into him, hopped up on the sidewalk and collided with a fence that surrounds the Van Nest Park.

Authorities say the 53-year-old driver and the pedestrian were both taken to Jacobi Medical Center. The driver suffered back and neck pain and is expected to be OK. The pedestrian has a severe head injury and is in serious but stable condition.

Earlier police had the entire area blocked off to traffic, but have since reopened it. Pieces of the car and fire hydrant remain on the sidewalk.

The driver remained on scene. No arrests were made and we're told authorities are still looking into the accident.