the staff of the Ridgewood blog
OAKLAND, NJ – A devastating accident in Oakland, New Jersey has left one child dead and several family members injured after a motor vehicle struck a mother and her three children at the busy intersection of East Oak Street and Ramapo Valley Road (Route 202) on Thursday, July 24, 2025, authorities confirmed.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office said the crash happened around 3:45 p.m. when a white Acura struck the family as they were crossing the street. Despite immediate efforts to save him, a 4-year-old boy was critically injured and later pronounced dead.
The child’s 5-year-old brother, 9-month-old sister, and their mother sustained varying degrees of injuries but are expected to recover, according to a family member.
🚨 Witnesses Describe Chaos After the Crash
Local resident Kathleen Pope had just parked nearby when she heard the screams.
“At first, I didn’t really register it. But then I heard, ‘my babies! my babies!’” Pope said.
The family had just visited a nearby pediatric center, whose doctors and nurses immediately rushed out to provide emergency aid before ambulances arrived.
“Literally everyone from the pediatric center ran out,” Pope added, describing how medical staff desperately tried to save the little boy.
Ambulances and a medevac helicopter were quickly on scene, but despite their efforts, the 4-year-old could not be saved.
🚔 Driver Remained at the Scene & Cooperated with Police
Investigators examined the vehicle involved, a white Acura, whose driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating fully with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. No charges have been announced as the investigation remains ongoing.
Witnesses say the car was turning into the intersection and may have failed to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
⚠️ A Dangerous Intersection with a History of Close Calls
Neighbors say the area around Ramapo Valley Road and East Oak Street is notoriously hazardous for pedestrians.
“This is kind of a dangerous intersection, especially with it being so wide and there being so many kids around, especially since there’s a middle school right there,” said Jonathan Morin, a nearby resident.
Many locals report drivers speeding or trying to beat traffic lights, putting pedestrians at risk.
💔 Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the Oakland community shaken. Medical staff and bystanders who rushed to help were visibly distraught after witnessing the aftermath.
A grown man who tried to help reportedly returned in tears, saying, “Do not go over there. It’s really bad.”
Authorities have not released the names of the victims or the driver.
🕯️ Next Steps in the Investigation
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the crash with the help of the Oakland Police Department. Officials are examining:
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Whether speed or distracted driving played a role
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The visibility and safety of the crosswalk
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Possible improvements for pedestrian safety in the area
🚦 Calls for Safer Streets
This tragedy has reignited calls for improved traffic control measures at the intersection, especially considering its proximity to schools and family-friendly destinations. Residents hope for better signage, speed enforcement, and pedestrian safety upgrades to prevent future accidents.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
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And only now will to town respond because some poor little boy got killed.
that’s how the state and local governments work.
someone must die b4 anyone does anything.
Yeah, why don’t they post speed limits and create crosswalks!
Speed limits are posted and the family was crossing in a crosswalk. They were hit by someone making a left turn and somehow didn’t see a family of 5 on bikes and crossing! Something isn’t right and no one is talking