Hyde Park, Boston – After a tragic accident on Washington Street, neighbors in Hyde Park are calling for urgent safety changes. The fatal crash, which killed five-year-old Lens Arthur Joseph, occurred on Monday when the boy was hit by a school bus.
Enrique Pepen, the Boston City Councilor for Hyde Park, expressed his sorrow for the loss. He emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure parents feel safe when sending their children to and from school. The community is now rallying for safer conditions on Washington Street, hoping to prevent further tragedies.
Calls for Immediate Safety Changes
The fatal accident took place just outside Lens’s home on Washington Street, leaving the neighborhood in shock. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, authorities have not yet confirmed whether speed was a factor. Witnesses report that the boy was found on the street after the school bus struck him.
Pepen has already begun discussions with the city’s transportation department and engineers to explore potential safety improvements. He believes measures such as adding speed humps or improving signage are necessary to make the street safer. Neighbors and local leaders agree that the area needs significant changes to prevent further accidents.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Family
The boy’s great-aunt, Remercie Edmond, is still grappling with the shock of the incident. The family is deeply mourning the loss of the young child and is seeking clarity from investigators.
Marie, a neighbor who visited the scene to leave flowers, spoke emotionally about the tragedy. The loss of young Lens has resonated deeply with the Hyde Park community, which is coming together in grief and support for the family.
Community Demands Action
As the community continues to process the tragic event, Pepen is pushing for action. He emphasized that it is crucial for drivers to slow down, especially when children are walking home from school. Many neighbors have expressed concerns about speeding in the area, and Pepen is hopeful that this tragedy will prompt drivers to exercise more caution on Washington Street and other residential roads.
Vigil to Honor Lens
To honor the young boy’s life, the Hyde Park community is planning a vigil on Thursday night. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the park on Washington Street, near the boy’s home. The vigil will provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together and remember the life of Lens Arthur Joseph.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Support
The investigation into the deadly crash is still ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether speed played a role in the tragedy. Meanwhile, neighbors and local leaders are hopeful that the community’s outpouring of support will lead to meaningful changes to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians in the area.
This tragic event serves as a reminder to all drivers to exercise caution and prioritize safety, particularly in neighborhoods where children are present.