CHELSEA (BELLINGHAM STREET), Suffolk County, Mass., Oct. 15, 2026 — A 2-year-old girl died Wednesday night, October 14, after she was struck by a vehicle on Bellingham Street in Chelsea, Massachusetts, according to Chelsea police. The driver was her mother's boyfriend, police said.
Chelsea police said the crash happened around 9:50 p.m. on Bellingham Street, shortly after the child and her mother had been dropped off in front of their home. Officers treated the girl at the scene before she was taken to CHA Everett Hospital, where she later died, police said.
A neighbor told reporters the vehicle appeared to be backing down the street before the child was hit. Police said the driver remained at the scene afterward.
The driver was interviewed by Chelsea Police detectives and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, and has since been released, according to police. Investigators said that based on preliminary witness statements and evidence gathered so far, the crash appears to be accidental. The case remains under investigation.
Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton offered condolences to the child's family, saying officers and emergency responders did everything they could to help save her.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Pedestrian Deaths Involving Children and Low-Speed Vehicles
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure covers crashes on highways and city streets alike, but a portion of pedestrian deaths each year happen off the road entirely, in driveways, parking lots, and residential streets where vehicles are moving slowly in reverse or at low speed.
Young children are especially at risk in these settings because they are small, move unpredictably, and sit below a driver's typical line of sight. A vehicle backing out of a driveway or along a narrow residential street can block a driver's view of a toddler for the last several feet before impact, even at very low speeds.
These incidents often involve a family member or someone known to the child, which can make them harder to classify in national data as either "crashes" or home accidents. Investigators typically treat them the same as any other pedestrian death: with a scene investigation, witness interviews, and a review of the vehicle's path before any conclusions are reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be done immediately after a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle?
Call 911 right away, avoid moving the injured person unless there is immediate danger, and wait for emergency responders to arrive. Keep the scene as undisturbed as possible so investigators can document what happened.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
In Massachusetts and most states, a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk generally has the right of way, though drivers and walkers both have a duty to watch for each other at intersections and driveways.
How can drivers watch for children near their vehicle before moving?
Walking a full lap around a vehicle before backing out, especially in driveways or on residential streets, and checking for children who may not be visible in mirrors or backup cameras, are basic precautions that can catch a hazard a glance from the driver's seat might miss.
What injuries are most common when a pedestrian is struck by a car?
Pedestrian crashes often cause head injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries, even at low vehicle speeds, because a person's body absorbs the full impact directly.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Chelsea, MA
If you're involved in or witness a pedestrian crash in Chelsea, you should contact police immediately and request medical evaluation for anyone who was struck, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Shock can mask pain or swelling in the minutes after an impact.
Witnesses should stay at the scene if possible and share what they saw with responding officers, since early accounts often matter most to an investigation. Families affected by a pedestrian crash can also request a copy of the police report once it's filed, which can help with insurance or medical follow-up in the weeks after.
