4-year-old Syrian dies in horrific Istanbul tram accident

ISTANBUL

A 4-year-old Syrian boy has died after being hit by a tram in a horrific accident in Istanbul.

The accident occurred in the city’s Bağcılar neighborhood on the evening of March 28. Doğan News Agency reported that the boy, identified as Ahmed Hallo, was dragged by the departing tram after his foot became stuck between the vehicle and the pavement, moments after he stepped off the tram with his father.

Emergency teams found Hallo heavily wounded after being dragged for several meters. He was rushed to the Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, but he could not be saved.

“The father was holding a 2-year-old in his arms and the 4-year-old was walking beside him. The boy’s feet got stuck while they were getting off the tram. Everyone shouted, but the tram kept moving,” local eyewitness Lokman Sayın was quoted as saying.

Sayın added that Hallo had lost his arm and a leg by the time the tram had stopped, but he was still alive.

“The ambulance came quickly. We have just learned that the boy has died and we are sad,” he said.

Police have detained the tram driver, pending an investigation. Security teams have also inspected the vehicle, the station and the rails in the area.