Zaahir Jan died after leaving Margate hospital on
foot and being struck by a bus near the A&E entrance.
Margate, Kent — A four-year-old boy has died after
being hit by a bus outside Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital. The
child, named as Zaahir Jan, had been visiting his grandmother before the
incident, which occurred around 16:00 BST on Thursday.
A Kent community is mourning the loss of
four-year-old Zaahir Jan, who was killed after being struck by a bus outside
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
The tragic incident took place on Thursday
afternoon at approximately 16:00 BST, near the entrance to the hospital’s
A&E department. Police say Zaahir left the hospital on foot shortly before
the collision.
He was taken back into the hospital immediately
after the crash but was pronounced dead a short time later. His next of kin
have been informed.
Zaahir’s father, Navid Feizi, described his son as
a “sweet and charming boy” who “was always smiling and laughing, even when he
was hurt.” He said Zaahir had been at the hospital to visit his grandmother
before the tragedy occurred.
In the days following the incident, a memorial site
has been set up outside the hospital building. Family members, including
Zaahir’s mother, have laid flowers, blankets, sweets, and heartfelt letters in
tribute to the young boy.
Eyewitness Gillian Murphy, a patient at the
hospital, said: “It was very busy with cars, and the bus was having trouble
getting through. Next thing I knew, he was under the bus.”
The bus, confirmed to be a white single-decker
vehicle operated by Stagecoach, was traveling within the hospital grounds when
the collision happened. A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and
deepest condolences are with the family and all those affected at this
incredibly difficult time. We are cooperating fully with the police
investigation and ensuring that support is in place for our driver.”
Tracey Fletcher, chief executive of East Kent
Hospitals NHS Trust, issued a statement: “We are very saddened by yesterday’s
tragic incident and send our sincere condolences to the family.”
Kent County Council also expressed sympathy, adding
that it will work with relevant partners on any necessary inquiries.
Kent Police have appealed for witnesses,
particularly anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time of
the crash.
As investigations continue, the tragedy has sparked
conversations about road safety measures in and around hospital premises, where
heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic often mix.