Child Seriously Hurt When Pickup Truck Hits Family in West Roxbury, Police Say

A family of five was hospitalized Friday morning -- one child with serious injuries -- after they were hit by a vehicle in West Roxbury Friday morning, Boston police said.

The crash occurred just before 10 a.m. on Centre Street at Hastings Street. The people involved don't appear to have life-threatening injuries, and the driver wasn't hurt, officials said.

Boston police said the vehicle slammed into a mother, father and their three children walking in the neighborhood. The Boston police officers union, the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, said that one of the victims of what they called "a horrific accident" was a member.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to the members of Boston Fire, Boston EMS, and our brothers and sisters in blue who came to the aid of one of our own in their time of need. We also would like to express our appreciation for the medical staff who continue to care for them," the union said.

While local and state police were still investigating what happened, a pickup truck was seen perched precariously on a sidewalk at the scene behind police tape and among debris from a broken brick wall; two strollers were knocked over on the ground near the pickup.

It appeared that the truck was in a parking lot, went forward -- over a wall -- and onto the sidewalk.

There’s another mangled stroller on the other side of the pickup truck. #NBC10Boston #NECN pic.twitter.com/mjeDnfAGAM

— Mike Manzoni NBC10 Boston (@MikeNBCBoston) December 17, 2021

An eyewitness said she saw people rushing over to help the young children after the crash.

"I heard the loud noise. I looked back and I seen people attending to the carriage," said Shakeita Haynes, who was left shocked by the scene.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the driver, who hasn't been identified, will face charges.

UPDATE: @bostonpolice say a family of five — three children and their parents — was taken to the hospital. Police said one of the children suffered serious injuries, but will survive. The driver wasn’t hurt. #NBC10Boston #NECN

— Mike Manzoni NBC10 Boston (@MikeNBCBoston) December 17, 2021

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reacted to the crash, insisting on Twitter that "families must be safe on our roads" and offering thoughts and prayers for the people who were injured.

This is unacceptable. Whether walking, riding or driving, Boston families must be safe on our roads. Keeping this family in my thoughts & praying for a quick, full recovery.https://t.co/Jcn7njhV4a

— Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 (@MayorWu) December 17, 2021

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