Child dead after car hits 3 kids, mother in Oakland, N.J.
Briefly

A tragic incident in Oakland, New Jersey resulted in the death of a 4-year-old who was struck by an SUV while crossing Ramapo Valley Road with family. The child's mother and two siblings, ages 9 months and 5 years, were also injured. Witnesses and passersby rushed to assist the family, while emergency services and Medevac helicopters responded promptly. Community members expressed grief and concern about the safety of the intersection, with many fearing to cross the road. The child was described as happy, which amplified the sorrow felt by onlookers.
Witnesses described a tragic scene where a 4-year-old child was struck by an SUV while crossing a busy intersection with their family. The chaotic aftermath saw good Samaritans rushing to help as emergency services, including Medevac helicopters, arrived quickly. The child's mother and two siblings were also hit, with the surviving children aged 9 months and 5 years. Eyewitnesses expressed deep sorrow and concern over the safety of the intersection, emphasizing the emotional toll of such an incident and the irreversible loss for the family.
Kathleen Pope, who witnessed the event, said: "I just heard screaming, and then I heard, 'My babies! My babies!'" The heart-wrenching cries reflected the devastating impact of the incident on the community. Pope noted that many from her office immediately rushed to assist, emphasizing the urgent response: "They grabbed everything and deserted the office, literally every single one of them. Gloves, everything. Doctors, nurses." Witnesses described pediatricians crying at the scene, demonstrating the profound emotional response elicited by the tragedy.
Witness Jessica Ng expressed her sorrow, stating, "Hearing about it, it's sad. They didn't get to experience life the way you hope to. I don't think a parent should ever bury a child, especially at that age." This sentiment underscores the community's grief and the visceral reaction to the loss of a young life.
Neighbors have voiced concerns over the safety of Ramapo Valley Road, also known as Route 202. Ng mentioned, "I always stay on this side and never go to the other side," highlighting the fear that has arisen from the tragedy. The community is now more vigilant about crossing the busy thoroughfare.
Read at Cbsnews
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