A 6-year-old girl named Jayla Chang in British Columbia was unfortunately killed after being hit by a car on Sunday (the 13th) in Surrey. The driver fled the scene, shocking local residents. Members of the community went to the accident site to pay their respects and called for the police to quickly uncover the truth.

The incident occurred around 4:11 PM on April 13. Jayla Chang and her three siblings were out for a walk with their parents as usual. However, at the intersection of 164 Street and 108 Avenue in Surrey, a gray pickup truck suddenly appeared and sped onto the sidewalk, hitting the children.

Surrey Fire Department and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) personnel arrived at the scene. Despite emergency measures, one 6-year-old girl passed away. Her brother (16 years old) and sister (7 years old) were hospitalized due to injuries (fractured collarbones and external bruises).

Just under an hour after the accident, around 5 PM, officers arrested a suspected 20-something-year-old man near 104 Avenue. Police stated that alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.

Footage captured by neighbors' surveillance cameras showed a gray pickup truck speeding away from the scene. Witnesses said the pickup appeared to have mounted the curb when it hit the children.

On Monday, police confirmed that the suspect had been released, but the investigation is ongoing. According to police, the suspect was not subject to any driving restrictions.

Representative Houghton of the local police described the girl's death as an "incredible tragedy." "We extend our condolences to the girl's family and the entire community."

Houghton said he wanted to assure the public that the suspect's release "does not mean there will be no charges... this is still under investigation." He added, "These investigations often take a long time."

Police said the investigation process is complex and involves multiple scenes, which may take months to complete.

At the intersection of 164 Street and 108 Avenue in the Fraser Heights neighborhood where the tragedy occurred, flowers and toys left by mourners are increasing.

A reporter from Sing Tao Daily visited the site on Wednesday (the 16th) in the morning and saw many citizens coming to lay flowers in mourning, expressing sadness and anger over the girl's misfortune. Some people drove specially to the scene, some came by bicycle in groups, and some elderly people walked there. They were shocked by such an unfortunate event happening in what used to be a peaceful community.

An elderly Chinese woman came to the site to lay flowers. She told reporters that she had lived in the community for over 40 years and had never heard of such a major accident. "According to neighbors, the children were walking on the sidewalk. How could they have been hit? It's so heartbreaking," she said.

Citizen Sawarn Jawanda placed a bouquet of flowers at the scene. He said, "I'm just crying, just crying, I'm so sad."

Another citizen, Rosanna Carins, also brought flowers. She said, "Such a terrible thing happened, and it was discovered that drinking might be involved. I really can't accept it."

A resident from Langley who came to the memorial site said in an interview, "I just don't understand the judicial system. Children were hit by a car, and the perpetrator fled. He was released again and returned to the streets. This is so unfair, and it's so heartbreaking."

Our reporter observed on-site that traffic warning signs clearly indicated "shared bike lane," and speed bumps and "caution children 30 km/h" signs were set up less than 100 meters away. Both sides of the road were detached houses, and there was a school nearby. The area clearly prohibited speeding.

According to CityNews reports, Jayla's father, James Chang, said on Tuesday that his daughter Jayla was "a very smart girl whom everyone would fall in love with immediately upon meeting."

He said, "Many people loved her, her family spoiled her, and her friends missed her. She was someone everyone knew when she entered a room. She was energetic, kind, and truly sweet."

Mr. Chang said his other two children have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering.

With a choked voice, he said, "They are dealing with it in their own way... His sister knows that his younger sister has gone to heaven, and she says she can talk to her anytime. She is trying to emotionally accept it."

He said Jayla would like everything left by the citizens, including snacks. "I just want to thank everyone for coming, thank the community, friends, and family for their support, and thank them for the flowers and toys they have left."

Friends of the family launched a Go Fund Me campaign online for Jayla's family to cover funeral expenses and help alleviate their financial pressure while grieving.

As of publication, the fundraising effort has exceeded its goal, raising a total of $93,284 CAD in donations.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494401802067018274/

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