TAMPA, Fla. — Police are investigating after seven people, including five children, were injured after being struck by a vehicle while waiting at a bus stop in Tampa.
Police and Fire officials say the crash happened just after 8 a.m. at a school bus stop near N 16th Street and Bougainvillea. Mayor Bob Buckhorn responded to the scene Thursday morning.
Tampa Police say that seven people; five children and two adults, were sent to the hospital. Two of the children sustained serious injuries. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening at this time, police say.
The victims have been identified as Alexandra Torres-Banegas, 6, Allinson Galindo, 6, Enrique Antonio Tobias Patino, 6, Sandy Quintana, 9, Perla Galindo, 12, Yanely Jurado, 31, and Laura Patino Chavez, 32.
Witnesses tell police the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Bougainvillea at a high rate of speed before hitting the pedestrians on the south side of the street. The driver is on scene and cooperating with police. At this time, the driver has not been charged.
Several backpacks and clothing items are spread around the scene.
Bougainvillea is closed from 15th Street to 18th Street.
.@TampaPD at 16th St & Bougainvillea for a #traffic accident w multiple injuries. Please avoid the area as we investigate
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) November 1, 2018
Tampa Police say the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
"At this time it does not appear that the crash was intentional and it does not appear that the driver was impaired. It is unclear whether the driver was speeding at the time of the crash, though a witness said he believed the car was traveling at a high rate of speed," Tampa Police said in a press release.
Police say that charges are pending.
