In the residential area of Kainarbulak in Shymkent, a municipal service truck fatally struck an 11-year-old boy who was crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing with his younger sister.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the KTK television channel, the deceased fifth-grader, Nurassyl, had gone with his younger sister to buy ice cream. As the children were crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing, they were hit by a truck.
The 11-year-old boy died at the scene from his injuries.
The child's father stated that his son was crossing the road on the 'zebra crossing' and expressed hope that the person responsible would face the punishment prescribed by law.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE DRIVER
According to information reported in the story, the driver works for a municipal enterprise of the Abai District akimat.
After the accident, the man was detained, and the truck was impounded. Witnesses reported that the driver was in a state of shock following the incident.
POLICE COMMENT
The Department of Police (DP) of Shymkent city reported that a criminal case has been opened regarding the fatal hit-and-run.
The police confirmed that the truck driver struck a minor on a pedestrian crossing in the Kainarbulak microdistrict. As a result of the accident, the child died at the scene.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The tragedy in Shymkent occurred against the backdrop of several high-profile road traffic accidents involving children that have been recorded in Kazakhstan over the past month.
On 26 May in Astana, a schoolboy died under the wheels of a concrete mixer while crossing the road on a bicycle. The minor died at the scene, and a criminal case was opened regarding the accident.
On 24 May in Ekibastuz, a truck reversing along the pavement struck a woman with a child. The woman sustained serious injuries; the child was unharmed.
On 19 May in Kokshetau, a car drove onto the pavement and struck a child. The girl sustained minor injuries and was released home after being examined by medics.
On 13 May in Aktau, a service vehicle struck a one-and-a-half-year-old child in the courtyard of a residential building. The boy died at the scene. A criminal investigation is underway regarding the incident.