A woman and a young boy were struck by a vehicle Monday evening in front of a pizza shop in Haverhill, Massachusetts, leaving the child with life-threatening injuries, according to police.
Haverhill Police confirm a man and a woman were crossing the road with a male toddler near Athens Pizza on River St. when the woman and the child were struck.
The child was initially taken to Lawrence General Hospital for life-threatening injuries. He was later transported to Children's Hospital Boston where he is currently in the ICU in critical condition.
The woman suffered minor injuries to her hand, and the man was not hurt.
The names of the victims are not being released at this time.
Miguel Velez Jr., the 27-year-old driver in the devastating accident, says someone swerved in front of him, leading him to crash into the pedestrians as they crossed the road.
"My prayers are out to his family," Velez said. "I hope God has them in his hands."
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Velez was in his Honda Civic on the rain-slicked road when the crash took place. He remained at the scene.
Velez Jr. has not been charged at this time but the investigation remains open. Preliminarily it appears Velez Jr. had an expired license status in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Speed and impaired driving do not appear to be factors, however post preliminary investigation results indicate that poor visibility due to the rain and darkness may have contributed to the accident.
"I have a son his age," said Velez. "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."
Clothes could be seen in the middle of the road way after the accident.
People who live in the area say it's a difficult street for pedestrians to cross. Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini stopped by the scene and said this accident may lead to changes.
