RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Raleigh police confirmed that the girl died after being accidentally hit by a truck towing a float during the Raleigh Christmas Parade.
Police said the crash happened around 10:14 a.m. near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue when the driver said he lost control of the truck. He hit the child at low speed, police said.
Despite efforts to save his life, the child died. No other march participants were injured.
The driver, Landen Christopher Glass, 20, faces misdemeanor motor vehicle death, careless and reckless driving, improper equipment, unsafe conduct and possession of a firearm at a parade.
People said they heard the driver screaming from the truck window that he had lost control and was unable to stop.
“I just saw them driving down the street really fast and you could tell it wasn’t like petrol, like they weren’t filling it up, it was rolling, sort of rolling down the street. They were freaking out, big on people Yelling and getting out and you could tell they were panicking,” said Melissa Stephens, who was at the march.
A group of people, including some first responders, ran to the truck towing the buoy to try to stop it.
“People came up to help grab it and slow it down a bit. When it got to this point, they tried to slow it down,” John Jones said.
Christy Curtis, Owner, CC & Company Dance Complex issued a statement Saturday night:
“We are devastated. Our dancing family is a tight-knit group and our hearts are broken today. We are working closely with the authorities as they establish what happened and why.”
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said her heart aches for the girl injured in the march.she expressed her sad in a post on twitter.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the little girl who lost her life in the Raleigh Christmas Parade today. Our prayers are with her family, friends and dancers from CC & Company The community is here for you as we try to understand and deal with this shared tragedy. “
Statement from Governor Roy Cooper Twitter Condolences to the family.
“Christine and I are appalled by the tragedy at the Raleigh Christmas Parade today. In what should be a day of joy, we instead mourn and pray for this family and their friends. -RC”
“Our hearts and prayers are truly with the family right now and with everyone who has been at this event. All we can do is get people to pray and lift up now,” said Jennifer Martin of Shop Local Martin) said. Reilly said.
Raleigh police statement on the incident:
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and those who witnessed this tragic event. The victim’s family asks for privacy at this very difficult time.”
Due to the incident, the Raleigh Christmas Parade has officially been canceled.
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