HOUSTON — A 1-year-old girl died after being hit by an Uber driver who had just dropped her family at their apartment complex in Houston and apparently didn’t see her in front of his car as he pulled away, authorities said.
Harris County Sheriff’s officials said the girl’s family members then pulled the driver from his vehicle and assaulted him Sunday.
“It’s just an unfortunate tragedy at this point,” said sheriff’s office Lt. K. Benoit.
The driver thought his path was clear after dropping the girl and her family off, but as he drove forward he hit the girl and dragged her for a bit, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
Surveillance video shows the girl walking alone in front of the car just before she was hit.
“We as parents, relatives, custodians of children, we have to just be a lot more alert, hold their hands, guide them to a safe place and then watch the driver pull away,” Benoit said.
Gonzalez said the driver was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
No charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation, authorities said.
A tragic incident occurred in Houston recently when an Uber driver was involved in a fatal accident after dropping off a family. The driver, who has not been identified, was transporting a family with a toddler when the accident occurred.
According to reports, the Uber driver had just dropped off the family and was driving away when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a nearby building. Tragically, the toddler was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries in the accident. The driver was also injured in the crash and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of using ride-sharing services like Uber. While these services can provide convenient and affordable transportation options, accidents can and do happen. It is important for both drivers and passengers to exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines while using these services.
In response to this tragic accident, Uber has released a statement expressing their condolences to the family of the toddler and stating that they are cooperating with authorities in their investigation of the incident. The company has also stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of both their drivers and passengers and will be reviewing their safety protocols in light of this incident.
This incident also highlights the importance of proper car seat safety for young children. It is crucial for parents to ensure that their children are properly secured in car seats that are appropriate for their age and size. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
As the investigation into this tragic accident continues, our thoughts are with the family of the toddler who lost their life in this senseless tragedy. It is our hope that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for both drivers and passengers to prioritize safety while using ride-sharing services like Uber.
