SUV Fatally Strikes San Jose Girl; Injures Aunt, Sister
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A 6-year-old girl crossing the street with her younger sister and aunt was fatally struck as they walked near Parkview Elementary in San Jose Tuesday afternoon.
At 3:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Bluefield Drive, where they found a child suffering from life-threatening injuries, San Jose police said.
The child, identified as Aileen Quiroz, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:36 p.m.
Police told KPIX 5 a Lexus SUV was going westbound on Bluefield Drive when it hit Quiroz, her 2-year-old sister and her aunt as they were crossing the street. They were between Parkview Elementary and the aunt's home when they were struck.
"My heart just dropped. It's really hard," said Eddie Quiroz, the victim's cousin.
Authorities said it is unclear if they were in the crosswalk at the time of the accident.
The woman, identified as Maria Elena Quiroz, was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
The toddler was initially taken home by family members but was later transported to a hospital. The toddler is also expected to survive.
The driver of the vehicle involved pulled over at the scene and has cooperated with officers. Police said it does not appear that alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.
Translating for the family, Pastor Frank Ybarra said they have tried unsuccessfully to get speeding drivers to slow down.
"We've told the school and we've tried to get the community involved with petitions and signatures," Ybarra said. "Hopefully this tragedy will help bring some kind of solution to the problem of the high rate of speed."
The Police Department's traffic unit is investigating the incident.
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