Oakland, New Jerseyterrible pedestrian collisionShortly after leaving a pediatrician’s office, a speeding SUV struck the family in a crosswalk on Thursday afternoon, killing a 4-year-old child and sending his mother and two siblings to the hospital.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office verified that, despite the family having the walk signal, a silver Acura SUV turned left from East Oak Street at approximately 4 p.m. and collided with them as they were crossing Ramapo Valley Road.
Witness: She Was Screaming, My Babies, My Babies
Witnesses detailed the terrifying incident in which the family was struck by the SUV, which was allegedly traveling at full speed. A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told NBC New York that the mother was walking with her two sons, ages four and five, while she carried a nine-month-old infant.
Just as I came into my workplace parking lot, I heard Kathleen Pope, a coworker nearby, yelling, “My babies, my babies.”Every single doctor on the pediatric staff hurried out of the office to assist.
Doctors and first responders responded quickly, but the 4-year-old youngster died at the site from his injuries. The mother and the other kids were admitted to the hospital due to a variety of injuries, some of which were considered severe.
Driver Stayed at Scene, No Charges Filed Yet
The SUV’s driver, who has only been identified as a woman, stayed on the site and is assisting with the inquiry. Authorities have not disclosed the names of anyone involved, and as of Thursday evening, no charges had been brought.
According to one witness, a man arrived to the family ahead of the rescue personnel and then sobbed as he returned to the sidewalk.
He returned a mature man in tears. “Don’t go over there,” he urged, adding, “it’s bad.”
Authorities in Bergen County are still looking into the event.
View the complete NBC New York report.
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