Detroit, MI (February 22, 2026) – A child died Friday night in a crash on Detroit’s west side involving a vehicle that reportedly ran a red light. Officers responded to the collision around 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Tireman Avenue and Southfield Road.
Police said a vehicle that ran the red light struck another vehicle in which the child was riding. Emergency units arrived at the scene and confirmed the child had died.
The driver of the vehicle that ran the red light remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities have not released additional details about the child or the other occupants involved.
No further information has been made available at this time. The incident remains under review by authorities.
Our hearts go out to the child’s family during this devastating time.
Red-Light Crashes and the Risks at Busy Urban Intersections
Intersections like Tireman Avenue and Southfield Road often carry steady evening traffic. When a driver fails to stop at a red light, the resulting collision can happen at full travel speed, increasing the likelihood of severe injury.
Red-light crashes frequently involve side-impact collisions, which can be especially dangerous for passengers. Children riding in vehicles are particularly vulnerable, even when safety restraints are used properly.
Urban intersections depend on drivers obeying traffic signals to keep cross traffic moving safely. Visibility, speed, and driver attention all affect reaction time when signals change. Traffic signal timing, intersection design, and driver behavior are often reviewed closely after serious red-light collisions.
