A tragic hit-and-run collision in West Houston on Saturday night claimed the life of 3-year-old Mohammad Yahya Hasanzai, leaving his family devastated and the community searching for answers. According to the Houston Police Department, the young boy was struck by a red Toyota pickup truck while crossing the street near his apartment complex. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision, and authorities are actively searching for the suspect. Mohammad's mother was walking home with her two children after visiting friends at a nearby apartment complex when Mohammad let go of her hand and was struck by the vehicle. His father, Ifirfanullah Hasanzai, described the heartbreaking moments that followed, saying he watched his son die in his arms. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the young boy succumbed to his injuries. The family reports some discrepancy in vehicle descriptions, with the mother believing it was a black SUV, though police have identified the suspect vehicle as a red Toyota pickup truck. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to locate the driver responsible for this devastating incident.

Location and Infrastructure

The fatal collision occurred in West Houston as the family was crossing a street between two apartment complexes in a residential area. Many residential neighborhoods in West Houston feature streets connecting multiple apartment communities, where pedestrian activity is common, particularly during evening hours when families are moving between locations. The specific intersection or street name has not been publicly released by authorities, but the area appears to be a typical residential corridor where families frequently cross to visit neighbors or access amenities. Residential areas like this often experience challenges with pedestrian safety, particularly in locations without dedicated crosswalks, adequate street lighting, or traffic calming measures. The incident occurred during evening hours on a Saturday, a time when residential streets may see increased vehicle traffic combined with pedestrian activity from residents socializing or returning home.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a serious felony offense, carrying substantial criminal penalties for the driver if apprehended. For the victim's family, Texas law provides several avenues for seeking justice and compensation, including wrongful death claims that can address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of the child's future contributions to the family. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, and in hit-and-run cases involving pedestrians, families may pursue claims through their own uninsured motorist coverage when the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified. The Texas statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death, though families should consult with an attorney promptly to preserve evidence and protect their rights. Pedestrian accident cases may involve multiple liable parties, and compensation can include medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium for surviving family members. 

Related Resources

Emergency and Law Enforcement:

• Houston Police Department Hit-and-Run Division: (713) 247-4072
• Houston Police Department Non-Emergency: (713) 884-3131
• Crime Stoppers of Houston: (713) 222-TIPS (8477)

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation - Houston District: (713) 802-5000
• Houston Vision Zero Initiative (pedestrian safety): visionzero.houstontx.gov
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resources: www.nhtsa.gov

Support Services:

• Harris Center for Mental Health Crisis Line: (713) 970-7000
• The Grief Recovery Method Houston: grief support services
• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program: (800) 983-9933

Legal Information:

• Texas Department of Transportation Safety Information: www.txdot.gov
• Texas Transportation Code (pedestrian laws): statutes.capitol.texas.gov