The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN Tribune Staff Reporter sbrown@tribunemedia.net EAST STREET erupted into chaos yesterday after a four-year-old girl was struck by a bus and killed. Police were forced to restrain an angry mob from attacking the driver of the bus. The man was taken into custody for his own safety and is said to be assisting police with their investigations. The mother of the child was inconsolable and was also taken from the scene. Sergeant Chrislyn Skippings, police spokeswoman, said officers are unsure of the circumstances surrounding the accident as they are still in the preliminary stages of their investigations. She said: "We are investigating a traffic accident that has left a four-year-old female toddler dead. "The incident reportedly occurred around 4.15pm," said Sgt Skippings. "Initial reports at this time are that a 21A bus was travelling north on East Street in the area of Lewis Street, when the incident occurred. Of course we are in the preliminary stages of our investigations and so I am awaiting additional information from our officers." Sgt Skippings said police are not sure if speed was a factor. An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed the bus was attempting to overtake another car when the little girl was hit. "A car stopped to let the mother cross the road. The bus was in the back of the car. After the mother got across the road, the bus tried to get around the car and did not see the little girl running behind her mother. He wasn't speeding or anything, but because the girl is so small she went under the back tyre. He never saw her coming," the witness said. The Tribune understands the toddler was a student at See Saw Christian Academy and lived in the Carmichael Road area. Sgt Skippings said police are appealing to parents with young children, as well as the motoring public to be more vigilant when on the road. She said: "As you know, young children are very quick, you can see them one moment and the next moment they are moving away very, very quickly. Pay attention to your kids. Watch your young children. If you are walking on the street ensure that you are holding their hand and at all times walk with them facing traffic. Also, it is important that you teach them how to use the streets properly. "For the motoring public, I want to encourage you to please drive with extreme care and caution. I know the roadworks are going on and sometimes we tend to get very furious or we leave late from home and so we are speeding trying to hurry and get to our destination. I want to encourage you to leave a little bit earlier, drive within the confinement of the speed limit and drive with the view of driving to reach your destination safely." Three people have been killed in traffic accidents this year.