Houston, Texas — A tragic incident on Thanksgiving Day left a child dead after being struck by a pickup truck in Houston, authorities confirmed. The crash occurred in the 5227 block of Willow Glen Drive around 11:35 a.m., leaving the community in shock.
Details of the Accident
According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), the child was riding a bicycle when the pickup truck made contact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and confirmed the child had suffered fatal injuries.
Lt. Va’Shawnda McLean of HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division said the driver stopped immediately and is cooperating with investigators.
Driver’s Statement
Investigators reported that the driver, a 70-year-old man, called 911 after the incident. The driver told authorities he initially believed something had fallen off his truck and did not realize he had struck the boy.
Upon inspection, the driver noticed the bicycle under his truck and then saw the child’s body in the street. HPD officials noted that evidence suggests speed was not a factor in the crash.
Safety Reminders
Lt. McLean emphasized the importance of child supervision during busy holiday periods:
“Children are going to be children, and they need supervision at all times. This is a reminder that children should be supervised. It’s not to assign fault to the parents or the driver, but rather to highlight the need for caution.”
HPD encourages both parents and drivers to remain vigilant, particularly during times of increased traffic, such as holidays, when accidents are more likely to occur.
Investigation Ongoing
Houston police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash.
The community has been urged to stay alert while driving in residential areas and to educate children on road safety, especially when riding bicycles or walking near traffic.
How do you keep children safe around traffic, especially during holidays?
Share your experiences and advice in the comments — your tips could help prevent future tragedies.
