Calls for crosswalk, signs at Prince Road after 4-year-old is struck by Transit Windsor bus
CBC News | Posted: May 28, 2018 2:48 PM | Last Updated: May 28, 2018
Incident happened on Saturday near Mic Mac Park
People living near Mic Mac Park in Windsor's west end are calling on council to improve an intersection crossing where a young girl was struck by a bus on Saturday.
Windsor police say the 4-year-old girl may have darted out into traffic on Prince Road at Barrymore Lane around 6.pm.
The little girl was rushed to hospital and eventually transferred to hospital in London, where she is fighting for her life.
Saturday's incident is renewing calls for improved signage or a crosswalk at the intersection.
'These kids need to see tomorrow'
Sandra Haidy has lived one-door down from the intersection for more than two decades and watches traffic race down the road while young families attempt to access the park.
"I just wish these drivers would realize they don't own the road," said Haidy, who watched the incident on Saturday and raced to the young girl's side to help.
Haidy said she's "sick to her stomach" that someone was hurt after years of complaints about the dangerous intersection from residents.
"I myself run out on this road to stop vehicles, seeing that they're driving way too fast," said Haidy.
"These kids need to see tomorrow, it's a shame."
Call for council to act
A petition started by the young girl's aunt is calling for a "safe crossway" along Prince Road. That document has also made its way to the attention of Ward 2 Councillor John Elliott.
"That's my job, to keep the kids safe," said Elliott, who said he knows the family well.
Elliott said he lives near the intersection and raced out on Saturday in his slippers to see what was going on. He said he heard from neighbours who were upset about the intersection.
"According to them they've been calling for many years, unfortunately I didn't get that call - it went into 3-1-1 and that kind of thing and it is what it is," said Elliott, who said he has already called on administration to find options.
"It's within our reach to expedite something. Exactly what the kind of crosswalk is going to be — I'm not sure at this point but I know something that's conducive to summer months," said Elliott, who thinks a heavily painted crosswalk with calls to yield may be the best option.
He's not sure how long it will take for that change but did say it's needed and that he'll present it to council as quickly as possible. Elliott also wants the speed limit changed.
"Speed limit? I know it's a 50 km/h zone. Could we make it a 40? Sure."
Investigation continues
Transit Windsor executive director Pat Delmore said the company is cooperating with police for the investigation.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family and we hope for a fast and full recovery," said Delmore.
He refused to comment further because the investigation is ongoing. Delmore would not say if the driver of the bus is still active.
Sgt. Steve Betteridge said the child was with a group at the time of the incident — not a "lost or misplaced" child.
Police said they believe the girl was not familiar with the area, and may have darted out into oncoming traffic.
They are actively investigating the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700 ext. 4000, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS), or online.