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Police Seek Witnesses To South Boston Crash That Killed 3-Year-Old

BOSTON (CBS) - There was an outpouring of grief at the scene on L Street where a little boy out for a walk with his nanny was hit as two cars collided at the corner with East Sixth Street in South Boston and later died.

Neighborhood nannies whose children played with the three-year-old brought them to lay flowers at the site. "We're devastated none of us wanted to be in that situation. I feel like we need more security around this area because we're always walking around with the kids," said Suzanna Campos.

South Boston
Pedestrians struck by car at L street and E 6th Street in South Boston (WBZ-TV)

The little boy was in a stroller alongside his four-year-old sister when police say a car struck a van, forcing the van onto the sidewalk and into their path. It was witnessed by Michelle Talbot who won't soon forget the sounds of the screams. "The baby let out a scream and then dropped his head," Talbot said. "The four-year-old was screaming and crying and holding her arm."

There were prayers from many in the neighborhood who never knew the little boy, but they share an outrage about notorious traffic on the busy street and the need for more enforcement. "It's common knowledge that there are accidents on the street every summer. We've always been concerned that one would be fatal. To have it happen in this manner is horrific," said South Boston resident Lauren Flaherty.

A memorial for a 2-year-old who was hit and killed in South Boston. (Image Credit: Beth Germano/WBZ-TV)

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says the focus should now be on the grieving family but that improvements will be looked at. "Over the last 25 years it has become a cut through for people trying to avoid the highway," Mayor Walsh said.

Residents say it's taken a horrible tragedy to bring about the possibility of change. "This shouldn't have been necessary, but now something has to be done," said Flaherty.

Boston Police have issued a community alert looking for any witnesses, videos or photos to help with the investigation.

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