A Community In Shock
Heriberto Quiroz
Published: March 22, 2010
On March 19, 2010 6-year-old Kevin Vazquez was killed just moments after leaving Cooper Elementary Academy, while walking with his father Antonio Vazquez. Both were struck by a south-bound semi-truck while attempting to cross on Ashland Avenue. The father Antonio Vazquez, who works night-shifts as a pizza chef, is in critical condition at Stroger Hospital.
Kevin’s kindergarten teacher and residents look in horror while firefighters are rushing Antonio Vazquez to Stroger Hospital.
Local Pilsen activist enraged of by unsafe intersection that caused the life of an innocent kid.
Kevin, who lived in the 1500 block of West 18th Street, often told his close friends and family members that he wanted to be a doctor when he grows up, so that he could take care of his mother who has been frequently ill. Kevin's two older sisters, Julia and Sylvia described their little brother as a student who paid attention in class and always had a joyful soul where ever he went.
Police officers continued their investigation questioning residents of the incident.
Witnesses saw the driver pass the red light of the corner of 18th Street and struck the two with the 20,000 pound semi-truck. Two Samaritans took out Antonio and his son Kevin from underneath the massive truck, but due to the impact Kevin died instantly. The driver was ticketed for hitting a pedestrian.
Residents talking among each other and wondering if this could have been avoided.
South Ashland Avenue has a poor crossing intersection at 18th, 16th, and 17th streets, which don’t give pedestrians the right of way. Children are at risk due to negligent drivers. Although schools like Cooper, Orozco, and St Pius get out at 3p.m, the crossing guards at 17th street are present for only a short period of time.
This link will take you to the WGN News covering what happend in the Pilsen Community.
http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/cd9d3b57-d704-45bd-823a-4c6e574c9c78/News/Semi-kills-boy-father-injured
All photographs by the author.
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