A terrifying scene unfolded in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Wednesday morning after a woman and two young children were hit by an 18-wheeler while walking to school.
The frightening incident happened around 8:45 a.m. near Ocean and Wilkinson avenues, officials said. A tractor-trailer had reportedly stopped mid-block near the intersection when the woman and two children walked into the street, also mid-block.
According to officials, the trio ended up directly in front of the truck. When the light changed, the driver moved forward, and all three were trapped underneath the massive vehicle.
The woman and children were rushed to the hospital. Their names, ages, and conditions have not been released. The truck driver stayed at the scene.
Officials said a crossing guard was on duty nearby and was helping pedestrians cross the road when the horrifying accident happened.
One witness told CBS News she believed the victims were a mother, her son, and her daughter. She said the crossing guard’s scream was what first alerted people nearby that something awful had happened.
“What I heard was the scream of the crossing guard. That was the kind of scream that makes you stand up,” the witness told the outlet.
She described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene moments after the crash.
“The mother stands up with blood in her hair, and she had the little girl screaming, but the boy was stuck in the tire,” the witness said.
Another witness said the truck was moving as the children crossed the street.
“The truck was approaching when the kids were crossing the street,” he said.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
Police quickly blocked off the area with caution tape as the truck remained in the roadway. Video from the scene showed officers crouching down and examining the area underneath the vehicle. Footage from News 12 New Jersey also appeared to show spray paint on one of the truck’s front tires.
Jersey City Mayor James Solomon released a statement after the tragedy, saying his heart was with the victims and their loved ones.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy and my thoughts are with the family and everyone impacted by this incident. As a father, I am heartbroken,” Solomon told CBS News.
The incident remains under investigation.
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Same thing just happened in India… but the mother trampled to death by an elephant…
That’s why there’s a crosswalk, so people aren’t walking out between cars and in the blindspot of trucks. I don’t think the truck driver even saw them.