2-Year-Old Boy Dies After Running In Front Of AC Transit Bus
OAKLAND (CBS SF) – An AC Transit bus struck a two-year-old boy in Oakland on Tuesday, according to police.
The boy's aunt confirmed to KPIX 5 that he ran out into the street chasing a ball when the bus struck him.
A family member told KPIX 5 the boy's name is Jeremiah Esera. They said Jeremiah was one of four siblings and that he and his family were visiting relatives.
The family member said the boy was supervised as he played outside, but the adult was unable to stop the toddler when he ran into the street after his ball.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., a 54 bus hit the boy in the area of 35th and Penniman avenues, an AC Transit spokesperson said.
Oakland police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards, as did AC Transit officials.
Video from Chopper 5 revealed that the Alameda County coroner's van had responded to the crash.
KPIX 5 later learned from police that the victim was a two-year-old boy who died at the scene.
"This is a tragic, sad loss for the family, and for the community," said Oakland Police Officer Marco Marquez. "Officers and first responders on scene were heartbroken by this incident."
Oakland police had the bus towed away from the scene shortly before 6 p.m. Officers remained at the location for several hours as the investigation into the incident continued.
Police said it was unclear whether the bus was speeding or if there were any other factors that contributed to the accident. The AC Transit driver operating the bus was fairly experienced and had been working for the agency since 2009, according to a spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the driver was upset by the accident. The driver will be administered a toxicology test as is standard procedure with such incidents.
Some detours were necessary as 35th Avenue was shut down for the investigation.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Oakland police traffic investigators at (510) 777-8570.
