A tragic incident unfolded in Harris County, Texas, as a toddler lost her life after being struck by an Uber driver at the Greenbriar on the Bayou Apartments. The driver was dropping off a family, including two adults, a child, and the toddler, when the accident occurred.
According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the driver was unaware that the toddler was in front of the vehicle when he drove forward. Surveillance video captured the moment when the passengers exited the vehicle, and the toddler, trailing an adult, came around the front of the car just as the driver started to pull forward. The child was hit and became trapped under the vehicle.
Witnesses at the scene rushed to help the young girl, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The family members of the toddler reacted emotionally to the tragic event, pulling the driver out of the vehicle and assaulting him. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to the hospital.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder for everyone to be more alert, especially when children are involved. Lt. K. Benoit emphasized the importance of being vigilant and ensuring the safety of children before a driver moves the vehicle.
As the investigation continues, no arrests have been made, and it is still too early to determine if charges will be filed. The driver is said to be cooperating with authorities and has shown no signs of impairment.
In response to the heartbreaking incident, Uber has removed the driver’s access to the platform and expressed their condolences to the victim’s family. They have pledged to assist the police in any way possible during the ongoing investigation.
The community mourns the loss of the young girl, just a few months shy of her 2nd birthday. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and ensuring the safety of all individuals, especially vulnerable children.