DALLAS (ABP) — A Baptist team of volunteers on their way to feed flood victims in Southern Mexico accidentally killed a child in a traffic accident Nov. 15.
Members of Texas Baptist Men, a men's missions organization, were driving through a small village in Mexico when children attempting to sell things began darting around their slow-moving vehicle, witnesses said.
One child misjudged the van's speed and ran into the side of it, resulting in a significant gash in the boy's head, group leaders said. A volunteer trained in emergency medical procedures examined the child, who initially had strong vital signs, until an ambulance took him to a nearby hospital. He was later transferred to another hospital, where he died Nov. 17.
Local authorities detained the van driver, who was released and cleared of all charges. Insurance covered the boy's medical expenses, and the men's group is attempting to contact and minister to his family.
“This is a tragic situation,” said Leo Smith, executive director of the men's group. “Our hearts and prayer go out to the family of this young man. We are looking to do all we can for his family.”
The team continued to serve flood victims in the state of Tabasco through Thanksgiving.