Update: Boy “will be just fine” after accident on Belvidere

Thanks to everyone who has called and e-mailed. The “heavy rescue” call in the 3200 block of Belvidere (map) involved a pickup truck hitting a child – a boy, six or seven years old. WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli has been to the scene and was told the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, but he was taken to the hospital to be checked out. He also was told the boy was playing with a toy truck when the truck, apparently belonging to someone working in the area, came down a steep driveway, and the driver just didn’t see the child. 5:29 PM UPDATE: Just talked to Officer Jeff Kappel with the Seattle Police media unit. He says the boy is 6 years old, “will be just fine” – bumps and bruises, at this point – and that it was truly an accident, so the truck driver (who Kappel says apparently knows the boy’s family) will not be cited.

BGH March 13, 2009 (5:10 pm)

That is too bad. I hope the boy will be ok. I walk my dog by that house every once in awhile and I can see how this happened. The rocks or boulders I should say in the wall are WAY too big for the property. It is like walking through a canyon. The owners need to terrace the wall. There is no way you can see backing out of the driveway.

Diane March 13, 2009 (5:14 pm)

so glad now I did not go out to look; this just happened within block of my home; sent alerts to wsblog re fire trucks, police, medic, helicopter…….as a child safety specialist, well aware these horrific accidents happen way too often; please families be aware, in all neighborhoods; watch your kids, especially near streets and in your own driveways

miws March 13, 2009 (6:20 pm)

Glad to hear that this little guy is going to be okay.

At his age, ~~a few~~ ~~several~~ alot of years ago, ;) a neighbor buddy of mine and I played “trucks” a block west, and a block south of that location.

We always fought over who got to play “Bill”. :D

Mike

Jane March 13, 2009 (6:22 pm)

I’m new to the neighborhood and I wasn’t at home (a couple of doors down on the opposite side of the street), but a friend of mine was and called to tell me about it as he had seen all the emergency vehicles. He, himself, was quite shaken, but called to tell me the little boy was not seriously injured and would recover completely!

I cannot tell everyone how very happy I am that the little lad will recover fully! As a parent myself, I can completely empathize with what must have been his parents’ and the driver’s sense of terror and panic.

My best wishes and heartfelt prayers go out to him, his parents, and to the driver of the pick-up!

Speedy recovery!

BobLoblaw March 13, 2009 (6:23 pm)

heck of a way to start the weekend. But I bet he’s got a story to tell at school on Monday. Glad to hear you’re OK, little dude!

Cautious Nulu March 13, 2009 (8:15 pm)

Not seeing…neither the driver nor the guardian of the child.
Let’s not blame the boulders or the steep slope. A blind corner requires caution.
My driveway is somewhat blind in a similar manner. And after one close call, I have always tried to follow the law and STOP before entering the sidewalk.
The photo appears to show a similar situation that if the truck driver had come to a complete stop earlier, this accident could have been avoided.
I’ll bet the driver will be stopping before the sidewalk the next time he leaves the work site.
And I’ll bet that whoever was “watching” the child will keep a closer watch for the near future.
I’m thankful that the boy is OK and hope that we can all pause and learn from this. It’s certainly been a reminder for me.

julee March 13, 2009 (9:55 pm)

if you have ever driven down that block of belvidere you would know that the children are not taught to respect vehicles at all! the parents and childcare givers put out signs that children are at play and expect drivers to sit and wait while the kids ride there bikes out into the street without warning and throw balls from one side of the street to the other. i am glad the child is okay but am surprised it did not happen sooner.

me March 13, 2009 (11:14 pm)

Glad the kid is okay. Why was he playing in the road? What type of parents let their kids do that?

AD March 14, 2009 (3:19 am)

Wondering if this boy could be one of my students. Glad it is not life threatening…

Gina March 14, 2009 (5:58 am)

Thank goodness the child is fine. A sidewalk, a toy truck, a nice day, and it looks like some dirt piles and puddles. Kid heaven.

MrJT March 14, 2009 (7:58 am)

Thank you julee!! Hopefully they all take a lesson from this.

rykrite March 14, 2009 (7:13 pm)

Oh my gosh let any lesson just stand – if there was a lesson, I’m pretty sure that everyone involved gets it now. Let it be! A child was hit by a car today, and his parents probably wondered if life would be worth living with him gone. Let’s just sing Halleljuah that he is well, and leave judgemental comments alone.

(Mom of a six year old myself. I’m going to go kiss her now.)

Ellen March 14, 2009 (8:10 pm)

Thank you Julee for your concern of the children of West Seattle. I know that that block is very busy and that there are many children out playing. I should know, because I have 2 children and live on that block. There are roughly 25 children on that block and many of them do play on the sidewalk. The reason that there are “Children at Play” signs are to try to get drivers to be aware of their surroundings. Many cars drive way too fast down our street, not just because of the kids, but there is something called a speed limit on residential streets. The children do not play in the street, they play on the sidewalk. Sometimes a ball may need to be retrieved. But not by running into oncoming traffic. I know these things because I have spent many hours on the sidewalk watching my kids. Maybe if we encouraged more children to play on their sidewalks the childhood obesity rate wouldn’t be so high in this country. It was a tragic accident and we should all be thankful that the boy is OK and take it as a reminder to be more careful when driving. I don’t think anyone wants to be on either side of this scenario. Oh, and by the way, the boy was on the sidewalk, not in the steet.

julee March 14, 2009 (10:19 pm)

again i will say i am glad the child was not hurt. but that has nothing to do with 25 children on that block that do not just play on the sidewalk. they ride their bikes and jump off the curbs into on coming traffic. i also live on this street and have witnessed the childrens behavior almost daily.

No Change Nulu March 15, 2009 (10:08 am)

Is it better that kids play in the street and on the sidewalk of Belvidere than in that “unsafe” park at North Admiral where they are separated by a sidewalk and planting strip?

WSB March 15, 2009 (10:20 am)

FWIW the accident scene and the park site are at least a mile and a half apart, unless the map is deceiving me.

a friend March 15, 2009 (11:51 am)

Statement from the mother…
She wants to thank all those for their concern and well wishes. Her son is now home from the hospital and is doing well. All concerned are grateful that this ACCIDENT has a happy ending. She asks that you respect her family and keep judgements at bay. She was present and saw the tradgedy unfold. There is no blame and she appreciates the support of her family and friends.

Tessa March 17, 2009 (4:01 pm)

I am a mother of a six year old boy. We live on Belvidere across the street from the accident site. I often wave to Ellen several houses down as we watch the sidewalk filled with our dozens of kids. The little kids DO NOT cross the street. Those that do are almost in middle school or are being supervised by a parent. We all put signs out because of the disrespectful drivers. Between the highschool kids and the asses that drive 30mph+ down a narrow, crowded, residential street we have to do what we can. Kids will ride bikes and play ball and occasionally one will step off the curb. This will happen as long as kids are present. The boy was on the sidewalk, the driver was someone working in the neighborhood. It was a terrible accident. We all need to be thankful for the boys minor injuries and do what we can to be more careful. JULEE I am so sorry you have had to wait for a kid to retrieve a ball… I suggest that you choose a new route. We would welcome less traffic especially getting rid of those drivers who are annoyed with playing children!

rykrite March 17, 2009 (10:05 pm)

For the mother (thank you “a friend” for posting her perspective): When I read this, it is you, whoever you are, the mother, that I most ached for. I can only imagine what went through your head as you witnessed the event, and how your heart shattered in that dreadful moment before you could reach your son. I am more grateful than I can say that your story has a happy ending.
(PS Do not watch the movie Bella. Great movie, except one terrible, terrible scene, related to this one but without the happy ending.)

Sorry, comment time is over.