Alleged drunk driver accused of hitting two kids in San Francisco appears in court

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A former debutante charged with driving under the influence and striking two children in a San Francisco crosswalk last week made her first appearance in court Tuesday.

Both children were transported from San Francisco General to a hospital in the East Bay. ABC7 News has learned that while one may be released Tuesday night, the other has more serious injuries.

Kirsten Andereck walked into court, charged with a DUI causing injury and three other related felony counts stemming from last wednesday's accident. strict attorney's spokesman alex bastian.

"It's horrible to think that two kids, before going to school, get hit in this fashion," said San Francisco district attorney spokesperson Alex Bastian.

Officials say the 30-year-old was driving at 8:30 a.m. with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit when she struck the boys as they crossed Bay Street near Marina Middle School, where they were students.

Andereck stopped and cooperated with police after paramedics rushed the victims -- both 12 years old -- to the emergency room.

Andereck was in court with her parents on Tuesday. She is a former debutante and worked as a school teacher.

After she pleaded not guilty, her lawyer Roy Lefcourt said, "Kirsten and her family are obviously heartbroken over the boys. This has been exceptionally emotional experience for Kirsten."

Both boys have been treated for head trauma, fractured hips, and other injuries.

Julian Melendez is expected to be released Tuesday. Peter Nguyen's injuries, however, are more serious. His attorney says he's suffering from a serious brain injury.

Three years ago, the city planned to reduce at least one lane of traffic and reconfigure Bay Street after a study by the Metropolitan Transportation Agency.

Lawyer Craig Peters says they didn't do anything until the accident.

"The city knew the street was dangerous and they needed to something to slow the traffic down and they knew that since 2013," he said. "And what I also know is they did nothing to slow the traffic down until these kids got hit."

Andereck is out on $200,000 bail.

The judge's order prohibits her from driving. She also has to sign up for an alcohol monitoring program.