10-year-old boy dies after being struck by truck on way to school

Family members and neighbors in Brisas del Este are mourning Maikel Encarnación, a 10-year-old boy who died after a truck struck the motor scooter carrying him to school.

The crash happened on Las Damas Street, known locally as Yellow Street, in the municipality of Santo Domingo Este. Maikel was traveling with his stepfather, Wilkin Bernal, after leaving home and heading to Escuela 24 de Abril.

Neighbors remembered the child as quiet, polite, affectionate and loved throughout the community. The tragedy has caused widespread grief in the sector.

Bernal survived the collision and remains hospitalized at the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces, where he is recovering from contusions. The truck was reported to have been traveling at high speed when it hit the scooter.