Raleigh Christmas Parade Crash News: Girl Dies After Being Hit By Truck During Christmas Parade; loaded driver

RALEIGH, North Carolina — Raleigh Police confirm the girl accidentally hit by a truck towing a float during the Raleigh Christmas Parade is dead.

Police say the accident happened around 10:14 a.m. near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue when the driver said he lost control of the truck. He hit the child at low speed, police said.

Despite rescue efforts, the child died. No other parade participants were injured.

People said they heard the driver shouting from the window of the truck that he had lost control and could not stop the vehicle.

The driver faces charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, improper equipment, dangerous movement and carrying a firearm in a parade.

Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said her heart aches for the girl injured in the parade. She expressed her grief in a post on Twitter.

Governor Roy Cooper released a statement on Twitter sharing his condolences to the family.

“Our hearts and prayers are truly with the family at this time and just with everyone involved in this event. That’s all we can do is ask people to pray now and lift them up.” , Jennifer Martin of Shop Local says Raleigh.

Raleigh Police statement on the incident:

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and those who witnessed this tragic incident. The victim’s family has requested privacy during this very difficult time.”

“It was just a lot of chaos, just a lot of cops running, people running… It was crazy. It was traumatic,” witness Brandon Patrick said.

The Raleigh Christmas Parade was officially canceled due to the incident.