Boy, 7, killed by bus in Turku while heading to play football

A family's joy in their new home in Varissuo, Turku, turned to tragedy within days when their seven-year-old son was fatally struck by a bus on Wednesday evening. The young boy was on his way to play football with friends when the accident occurred at a pedestrian crossing less than a kilometer from his home.

The family, who had recently moved from a nearby apartment building, is being comforted by relatives, friends, and members of the Somali community, following local customs of shared grief. The boy, the third eldest of six children, had just completed his first year of school, where he was known for being diligent and quiet, with a particular interest in mathematics and aspirations of becoming a doctor.

His passion, however, lay in football. He had told his mother he was heading out to play with friends before leaving on his bicycle. Tragically, his mother received a call shortly after that her son had been hit by a bus at the intersection of Littoistentie and Karvataskunkatu.

Flowers, candles, and a small teddy bear have been placed at the site of the accident, a busy road where the bus was reportedly traveling towards the city center. The local parish has offered counseling services. The community is deeply affected by the sudden loss of the young student, who was described as a best friend to his classmate with whom he shared hobbies and dreams.

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I'm going to play now.