A 5-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car in La Merced, a city in Argentina's Salta province. The incident has caused public outrage and protests.
The tragedy occurred on Sunday evening. The boy was riding a bicycle with his mother when he was struck by a car driven by Miguel Plaza. He claimed to be the driver for the city mayor, Javier Wayar. The accident happened at the intersection of Hipólito Yrigoyen Avenue and General Güemes Street.
Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, the boy could not be saved and died. Witnesses stated that Plaza was driving at a high speed and was unable to brake in time.
In response to the tragedy, local residents held protests, during which tires were burned and clashes with security forces occurred. The accused, who has refused to make a statement, remains in custody pending an investigation. He has been charged with negligent homicide.
Mayor Javier Wayar issued a statement, demanding that justice act with the utmost rigor of the law. "I ask that we respect the family's pain and trust that the truth will come to light," he concluded. He also appealed not to use the tragedy for political purposes.
