Mother, 4-year-old child seriously injured after being struck by car in Peabody

Crews responded after a woman and her 4-year-old son were struck by a car in Peabody, according to the Peabody Fire Department.

The incident occurred on Washington Street Thursday evening.

Previous reports from Massachusetts State Police suggested two children were struck in the incident, but Peabody Fire later confirmed an adult and child were struck.

Both were transported by ground as MedFlight was grounded, and they were taken to a Boston hospital.

A woman across the street from the incident told Boston 25 News the two were leaving a home daycare when they were hit.

"I saw a little kid and his mom on the ground, and then a bunch of people surrounding them," Leslie Weinberg said. "I mean, they got hit by a car, thrown probably 15 to 20 feet, so it wasn't pretty.

Weinberg said the child's father was pulled over waiting for his family, and saw the whole incident.

"I think they were just going home like they normally do," Weinberg said. "They were crossing from here to the other side of the street, and that's all it took."

Police said the driver of the car stayed on scene and cooperated, and neighbor said he was shaken up as well.

"He seemed like a nice man," Weinberg said. "Didn't intend to hit anybody."

Neighbors tried to help out on scene, translating for a daycare employee who had just witnessed the crash.

"She was distraught, crying, barely could comprehend her, really," Tony Coimpra said.

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Meanwhile parents with young children who often cross the same street say something needs to be done about this busy area.

"I'm scared about it happening because my children cross the street all the time around here," Melissa Troisi said.

The department said both suffered "significant trauma" in the incident.

Cox Media Group