Toddler Hit And Killed By Ambulance Near Tufts Medical Center

BOSTON (CBS) – A toddler was struck and killed by an ambulance Saturday afternoon near Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

The crash happened on Nassau Street in the Chinatown neighborhood. Multiple sources told WBZ the victim was a little girl, but Boston police have not confirmed this.

A neighbor told WBZ-TV's Jim Smith he arrived to see the child's mother sobbing.

"I came down through the lobby and saw the mom on the pavement, just crying in agony," Raymond Pereyra told WBZ. "She was just rolling and crying in agony on the pavement and there was blood near her so my immediate thought was that she got run over by the car, but it turns out a young girl did."

Neighbors told WBZ the family lived on the street.

Of the driver, Pereyra said, "He was distraught. He was crying." The area was blocked off while police investigated.

Police confirmed to WBZ-TV just before 3 p.m. that the child died. Investigators believe it's just a tragic accident.

The ambulance involved in the crash is owned by EasCare. Early Saturday evening, the company released a statement.

"Everyone at EasCare is deeply saddened by the incident that occurred earlier today," reads the statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim.

"EasCare will continue co-operate fully with the investigation in an open and transparent manner."

WBZ-TV's Jim Smith and Karyn Regal contributed to this report.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports