Brooklyn residents, elected officials and community advocates on Thursday held a vigil for a Brooklyn child who was killed in a school bus crash in Bath Beach last week and urged increased traffic safety measures.
Amira Aminova, 11, was killed on Feb. 5 after she was struck by a school bus while crossing Bath Avenue at 23rd Avenue. According to police, the driver was not aware he had hit someone.
“We are gutted that another family is experiencing the worst week of their lives,” said Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. “We’re here to demand that not one more child will be lost to a traffic crash, and fight for an end to the epidemic devastating every corner of New York City. It’s time for our elected leaders to recommit to Vision Zero and imagine a city with no more dangerous intersections, no more deadly streets, and no more vigils.”
Since Vision Zero began in 2014, five children have been killed within a half-mile of Aminova's crash — including 7-year-old Sama Ali, killed on her scooter by an armored truck, and 3-year-old Emur Shavkator, who was hit by a van while crossing the street on his scooter. Just last month, a 15-year-old was killed by an SUV a few blocks away, according to the organization.
“As a mom of two, I was devastated learning of Amira’s death. The driver needs to be held accountable, and a traffic study needs to be done. There is no need to wait until another child is killed to find a solution to make our streets safer,” said Council Member Susan Zhuang.
Marnee Elias-Pavia, a member of Community Board 11, said the board is willing to work with city agencies to enact change so a similar tragedy does not happen again.
“There are no words to describe the pain that Amira Aminova’s family and community are suffering," said Council Member Kayla Santosuosso. "Tragedies like this underscore our responsibility to work tirelessly toward making our streets safer. As the NYPD investigates what circumstances lead to this tragedy, my colleagues and I will continue to pursue any and all measures we can make to protect pedestrians."
