BHUYAN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-10-06 published
15-year-old's death renews call for crosswalk
By Dale Anne
FREED,
Staff
Reporter
Neighbours in the area where a Toronto teen was killed while
crossing a busy Scarborough street say they've been demanding
a stoplight or crosswalk there without success.
Parisa Kabir
BHUYAN, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student at Riverdale
Collegiate Institute, was only a few blocks from home when she
was struck by three cars as she got off a Toronto Transit Commission
bus near Danforth Rd. and St. Clair Ave. E.
She had just left the northbound Danforth bus at Linwood Ave.
when she bounded into heavy traffic at about 7: 30 p.m. Tuesday.
"We need a crosswalk here, or a stoplight," said Tony
PALMA,
who heard brakes screeching from inside his home across the street.
"A lot of people have been hit by cars on this street. I know
at least five people who have been hit by cars over the last
10 years," said
PALMA.
"It's 60 km/h here, but cars typically fly down this street at
70 or 80 km/h. They drag-race on this street, too."
"We've been begging for a crosswalk here,' said long-time resident
Gerry Damovski.
The driver of a northbound Chevy Lumina whose car struck the
girl as he passed the bus appeared to be driving within the speed
limit, said a witness.
While Parisa's family made funeral preparations, Friends and
classmates were undergoing grief counselling at her school, where
the flag flew at half-mast yesterday.
"She (Parisa) was very well-known, a wonderful all-round student.
She participated in a number of different clubs," said principal
Ralph NIGRO. "
Our big focus was dealing with the young people
who were quite upset."
Parisa, a member of the Muslim Students Association, was a happy
teen who offered support to students trying to fast during Ramadan,
said a friend.
She was a talented dancer and had entered a contest at her school
that was to take place next month, her Friends said.
"It was very tragic event... sad news involving a beloved student
at the school,"
NIGRO told the students over the public address
system yesterday morning as they observed a moment of silence.
"We're all saddened by it."
The investigation continues.
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