Child fatally struck by Amazon truck in Kansas City’s Northeast; driver leaves
A child under 5 years old died after being struck by an Amazon delivery truck Monday evening in Kansas City’s Northeast area, a police spokesman said.
The fatal crash occurred about 6:25 p.m. in the 1800 block of East 3rd Terrace in the Pendleton Heights neighborhood, said Capt. Jake Becchina of the Kansas City Police Department.
A preliminary investigation found that the driver of an Amazon-branded delivery truck had just delivered a package and was headed west on Third Terrace.
At the same time, the young child playing in a grassy area of Maple Park entered the street and was struck by the vehicle. Initially, the driver stopped, but then allegedly drove away from the scene before officers arrived, Becchina said.
A family member followed the vehicle to another delivery stop and informed the driver what had just happened. The driver denied being involved and left the area, Becchina said.
The child died from the injuries. The fatality marks the 25th traffic death of this year, compared to 21 fatalities at the same time last year. The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the child’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Jesus Garcia, public relations manager for Amazon. “We’ll cooperate fully with the Kansas City Police Department in their active investigation and defer to them for additional details.”
Shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas urged drivers to use caution while driving near city parks.
“Please slow down while driving near our parks,” Lucas said in the post on X, formerly Twitter. “We should never have to bury a three-year-old who was playing at the park. Control what you can control. Keep your eyes open for our young people and our pedestrians of all ages.”
This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 8:10 AM.
