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Child dies after being hit by pickup truck in Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – The Central Park community in Birmingham is in mourning after a young girl was struck and killed on Bessemer Road by a truck Wednesday morning.

Birmingham Police responded to the accident on Bessemer Road and Avenue Q. The girl, who is less than 10 years old, died on the scene.

Investigators believe a group of children were on their way to school. They think the group crossed the street to go to the store, then were crossing back when the girl stayed behind. Officers tell us the group motioned for the girl to cross-they say she stepped right out into the street in front of a truck.

“On a day like today, you expect all the kids to get to school safely, and that’s what you want, but at the end of the day it’s the responsibility of the parents to ensure small kids are properly crossing the street,” Birmingham police Lt. Sean Edwards said.

Neighbors in the area said there isn’t a crossing guard for the intersection, which lots of kids cross daily.

An eyewitness tells us she was behind the vehicle that hit the girl and saw it happen. The woman, who was extremely emotional after witnessing the child’s death, says she offered her shawl to cover the girl’s body.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The principal of Central Park Elementary says the girl was a student there. The principal, Andra’ Walls, also released a statement:

The school’s hearts and prayers are with the family of the victim at this time. They will reinforce issues of safety with the students and encourage them to be aware of their surroundings.