CHICAGO (WLS) — A nine-year-old boy lost his life after being hit by a vehicle near his school on the West Side on Thursday morning, according to Chicago police and school authorities.
The incident took place at about 7:41 a.m. near Ronald E McNair Elementary School in the 4800-block of West Walton Street.
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Police said a woman driving a light-colored Chevy sedan was going westbound when it struck the boy, who was in the street.
The boy was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he died, police said.
Witnesses told ABC7 that the driver initially kept driving after the crash, but then came back around to cooperate with police.
“This heartbreaking incident will undoubtedly provoke a range of emotions, concerns, and questions throughout the school community, particularly affecting our students,” Principal Benetrice Whitfield-Lucas remarked in a communication sent to the school.
Chicago Public Schools’ Crisis Management Unit will be at the school on Thursday and Friday to provide grief counseling .
One man living nearby the scene said there are often a lot of vehicles speeding through this area.
“I witnessed a woman in tears and inquired if she was alright, initially thinking she was attacked,” recounted Ardany Granillo, a local resident. “She informed me that her child was struck by a car. Being trained in CPR and first aid, I tried to offer help, as the police hadn’t arrived yet. But by the time I reached the scene, the ambulance was already there. I observed the child with head wounds and saw them cover his face completely with a white cloth.”
The motorist involved has been detained, with charges forthcoming, police confirmed. No additional injuries occurred and the incident is under investigation by the CPD Major Accident Investigation Unit.
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