Amar Diarrassouba, 6, left his home on Thursday with his older brother, 9, set for school. As they began to cross 1st avenue just before 8am, a white tractor-trailer turned onto 1st Avenue from 117th street, striking and killing Amar. The crash was heard a block away, at the child’s elementary school, PS 155.
The crossing guard, Flavia Roman, 55, who is normally there to help children cross the busy intersection, was not present at the time.
The driver received citations for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and another for failing to use due care in the operation of a vehicle.
Witnesses ran to flag down the driver, who did not realize he hit a boy until about two blocks away. He stayed at the scene and cooperated with police.
The police said the driver of the white truck, which bore the name McLane Foodservice Distribution.
After the crash, the driver, who was not identified, sat in the cab and appeared shaken, his head collapsed on his arms over the steering wheel.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to Amar’s family, friends and schoolmates,” a statement issued by McLane Foodservice said. “We have launched an internal investigation into this tragedy and are fully cooperating with the N.Y.P.D. and all appropriate authorities.”
Amar’s mother, Mehichata Diarrassouba, was visibly shaken as she showed a photo of her son.