A 9-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a City of Moorhead public works vehicle while riding his bicycle in a crosswalk. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. at the intersection of 40th Avenue South and 14th Street South, an all-way stop located near SG Reinertsen Elementary School. The vehicle involved was a 2018 Mack 700 Straight Truck operated by a 64-year-old man from West Fargo. Authorities have confirmed that the Minnesota State Patrol will be leading the investigation. No further information is currently available.
When I hear that a child was hit and killed by a commercial vehicle while crossing the street, I think about whether the driver was paying attention and whether all necessary precautions were being followed. Crashes like this don’t just happen in isolation. They raise serious questions about awareness.
Was the Driver Fully Aware of His Surroundings?
In any crash involving a large commercial vehicle and a pedestrian or cyclist, the first question is whether the driver had a clear view of the intersection and was exercising appropriate caution. A straight truck like the one involved in this incident has significant blind spots, especially around the front and sides. However, that’s not an excuse. Commercial drivers are trained to compensate for limited visibility and to approach intersections carefully, especially in areas where children may be present. If the driver failed to notice the boy in the crosswalk, investigators will need to understand why.
Could Inattention or Poor Judgment Have Led to the Collision?
This crash occurred in the middle of the day, at a four-way stop next to an elementary school. That’s exactly the kind of setting where extra vigilance is required. Investigators will likely look into whether the driver stopped completely at the intersection, scanned for pedestrians and cyclists, and proceeded only when it was safe to do so. If the driver misjudged the boy’s speed or presence in the crosswalk, or if they failed to check the crossing area altogether, that could point to inattention or poor judgment.
What Should Be Examined to Understand What Happened?
To clarify how the crash happened, investigators should examine the truck’s onboard data systems to see whether it recorded any sudden acceleration, braking, or steering input. Surveillance footage from the intersection or nearby properties could also help reveal whether the driver stopped properly and whether the boy was visible. A physical inspection of the truck may be necessary to rule out issues with the braking system or other mechanical problems. And of course, the positioning of the bicycle and final rest points of the truck and victim will be critical in understanding the sequence of events.
The Role of Thorough Investigation
When a child is struck and killed by a city-operated truck at an intersection, every detail must be examined to determine how and why it happened. These kinds of crashes are rare, but when they do occur, they tend to stem from preventable circumstances. A full investigation can help explain what led to this crash and assign accountability where necessary.