Oak Cliff, TX (May 24, 2025) – A devastating pedestrian crash outside Felix Botello Elementary School in Oak Cliff on Thursday afternoon has left one child dead and three others injured. The incident occurred shortly after school dismissal along South Marsalis Ave, in an area without a designated crosswalk.
Medics and fire crews worked to assist those suffering from injuries after the collision. Dallas Fire and Rescue responded to the scene around 3:26 p.m. and transported the victims to Children’s Medical Center for further treatment. Among the injured were an adult and three children, all reportedly hit by a truck while crossing the street outside the school.
Officials confirmed that one child died from injuries sustained in the crash. Two other children were transported in critical and serious condition, while the adult victim was reported to be stable. Dallas Fire later identified the children as a 9-year-old boy in critical condition, a 9-year-old girl with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and an 11-year-old girl also in serious but stable condition.
The Dallas Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. At this time, no additional details about the driver or potential charges have been released.
Our thoughts are with the children, their families, and the entire school community affected by this heartbreaking event.
School Zone Pedestrian Safety and Urban Risk in Texas
This heartbreaking crash underscores the serious dangers faced by pedestrians in school zones, particularly in urban neighborhoods like Oak Cliff. With students leaving school grounds during peak traffic times, even a momentary lapse in driver awareness or lack of infrastructure, such as absent crosswalks, can result in life-altering tragedies.
Texas schools, especially those situated in busy residential districts, have long faced calls for improved safety measures. These include adding flashing school zone signs, painted crosswalks, traffic guards, and speed-reducing infrastructure like humps or bump-outs. Unfortunately, many schools still lack these protections.
Pedestrian crashes involving children are particularly complex. Young victims may have limited road awareness, and streets lacking crosswalks place the burden entirely on vehicle operators to detect and yield appropriately. This crash serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of comprehensive school zone protections and public awareness campaigns focused on slowing down near educational institutions.
In the aftermath of such events, communities often come together to call for change—more signage, stricter speed enforcement, and better urban planning that places student safety first. Parents and guardians are also urged to educate children about crossing safety and advocate for stronger protections around school campuses.
As Oak Cliff residents and Dallas ISD mourn the loss of one student and hope for the recovery of others, city leaders may soon revisit what more can be done to ensure such tragedies do not repeat.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a pedestrian crash, Local Accident Reports can provide support and guidance during this difficult time.