Police: 2-Year-Old Boy Struck, Killed by Paratransit Bus

PHILADELPHIA-(WTXF)-Police say a 2-year-old boy was killed after he darted out into the street and was struck by a paratransit bus in South Philadelphia.

The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. Monday on the 1700 block of S. 21st Street. According to police, the toddler had severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at 6:09 p.m. Monday.

The driver of a SEPTA para transit bus-wasclearly distraught after his bus struck and killed the little boy. Family members have identified him as 2-year-old Muhammad Sylla.

"Everybody feel terrible right now. Crying, you know. Feel terrible right now," the victim's cousin Muhammed Konate told FOX 29.

Police say the boy was outside on the 1700 block of S/ 21st Street. Surveillance video viewed by FOX 29 shows the little boy playing with his 7-year-old sister before taking 4 fatal steps into the street as the bus was passing by.

"The video clearly shows him, walking down the steps, onto the sidewalk. For some reason, the 2-year-old child then walks into the street," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

According to police, the boy walked right in front a yellow SUV his father had been repairing with the hood.
Police say the 69-year-old driver immediately stopped.

"The child was struck by the left front of the vehicle. On the video, you can clearly see the child fall to the ground and then the paratransit vehicle drives over the 2-year-old," Small explained.

Family members say the Muhammad was always playing outside with friends and had been warned about traffic before.

Police say the driver of the bus will be screened for drug and alcohol. But at this time, it appears no charges will be filed against the driver.