Grief-stricken residents of Zone 6 in Pleebo City, Maryland County have threatened to go on the rampage if investigation into the death of a lass is not fast tracked.
The threat followed the saddened death of a 7-year-old Elizabeth Pinkett, who a commercial bus reportedly struck, and killed on Friday afternoon, July 3.
The accident occurred near the Catholic Mission when the bus was traveling from Pleebo to Harper City.
Eyewitnesses recalled how Elizabeth had attempted to cross the road when she was hit. In the process, she sustained severe injuries, and was rushed to a nearby health facility, where medical staff later pronounced her dead.
Elizabeth’s caretaker, identified only as Peace Girl, told reporters that the child’s mother, a nurse at a local health facility, had left Elizabeth in her care while she was on duty.
Before leaving, the mother instructed that Elizabeth should not leave the house and left L$200 for her needs.
Peace Girl said, while she was preparing food, Elizabeth complained of hunger and asked for L$50 to buy gari, sugar, and milk from a nearby business center.
“I told her to wait until the food was ready, and warned her not to go outside, but violated, and the unfortunate thing happened to her.”
News of Elizabeth’s death spread quickly through Zone 6, where neighbors gathered at the family’s home to console the mother and the caretaker.
Some residents expressed concern over speeding commercial vehicles in the area, especially near the Catholic Mission, where children often cross the road.
Others called for speed bumps and traffic signs to prevent similar incidents.
“These drivers move too fast here. Our children are not safe,” one resident remarked.
Police in Pleebo confirmed that the driver of the commercial bus is cooperating with investigators, and that the case remains under review.
Elizabeth’s mother, who was on duty when the accident happened, has since been at the family home receiving condolences.
Family members described Elizabeth as an “energetic and cheerful child, who used to play with friends and help at home.”
The tragedy has renewed calls from Pleebo residents for increased road safety education for children, and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in residential areas.
