Las Vegas NowChild Hit, Killed by Garbage Truck

Child Hit, Killed by Garbage Truck

A tragic accident took the life of a 5-year-old boy Friday morning. He was run over by a garbage truck after falling beneath it.

Eyewitness News was told a 5-year-old child on a bicycle lost his balance and fell into an alley and under the truck. The driver didn't realize he was there and when he pulled away into traffic, the child was run over.

The boy died at the scene.

The child was riding his bike behind the strip mall with his brothers while their parents were inside shopping. The other boys witnessed their brother's death. A counselor was brought to the scene to help the family.

Republic Services released the following statement about the accident:

"This accident is a terrible tragedy. The police are currently investigating the incident and we will be fully cooperating with them as they conduct their investigation.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to the child's family during this most difficult time."

This is not the first time a Republic Services garbage truck has been involved in an accident.   

In December of 2004, 19-year-old Ashley Ipock was hit and killed when a Republic truck driver slammed into the back of Ashley's mother's SUV. 

In October of 2006, 3-year-old girl Ditavea Hankston was critically injured when a Republic Services track slammed into the car she was in that was stopped at a red light, crushing the back seat. Police say the driver was not paying attention and couldn't stop in time. They cited him with five traffic violations, including failure to use due care.

The child was in the hospital for two months. When she came home she could not speak, or move on her own.

In the past a Republic Services spokesperson said when a driver is involved in an accident they are reassigned for remedial training.

But since this case doesn't appear to be the driver's fault, it's not clear what action, if any will be taken in this case.