The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A CHILD believed to be between the age of eight and ten years old died in an accident last night after falling off a tow truck.

According to police Superintendent Shanta Knowles, the child “attempted to jump” on the hydraulic lift of the truck but lost his balance and fell off.

Supt Knowles said up to press time last night, investigators were still talking to witnesses to determine what happened.

They did not yet know whether the tow truck driver was even aware that the child attached himself to the truck, she said.

She added the driver remained on the scene of the accident and assisted police with their investigation.

She said: “Shortly after 6pm we received a call that an accident had occurred at Florida Court off Balfour Avenue. We are presently on the scene and investigating the incident. Our investigation thus far tells us that shortly after 6pm, a tow truck was traveling south on Florida Court when a young child attempted to jump on to the truck. The child was successful in holding on to the hydraulic lift of the truck, somehow lost his balance and fell to the ground where he received injuries. EMS was called to the scene and confirmed that the child was lifeless. We are in the very early stages of this investigation. However, we are appealing to parents and guardians, we know that schools are out and about to close for the holidays. We are asking parents to pay attention to the children, ensure that they are secured and aren’t playing in the streets and have constructive activities for the Christmas holidays.”

Supt Knowles said investigators could not yet estimate how fast the truck was moving when the child fell off.

“We have witnesses we are speaking to,” she said.