BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 13-year-old boy died after he was hit by a truck. California Highway Patrol says the boy and his three friends were running across Niles Street near Park Drive Sunday afternoon when he was hit by a GMC Sierra.
According to officials Alejandro Vargas Jr. was caught under the truck and was dragged for several feet. He suffered major injuries and was transported to Kern Medical Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The other boys were unharmed. CHP says the boys were traveling outside of a crosswalk when the incident occurred.
"You are basically giving away your rights because the vehicle has the right of way outside of crosswalks," explained Sgt. Rick Pierce of the CHP. "Use the crosswalks, protect yourself, take that extra moment to make sure traffic is clear. You know we learn it as kids -- look left, look right, look left again -- that still holds true today."
According to the CHP, a witness reported the Sierra was traveling at the posted speed. Drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the collision are not suspected.
