2-Year-Old Burlington County Boy Dies After Struck By Car; 3 Others Critical

A car struck four pedestrians in Burlington County on Tuesday night, killing a 2-year-old boy and critically injuring three, according to the State Police.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the victims, all from Southampton, were walking with the flow of traffic in the center of the eastbound lane of Buddtown Road at 8:30 p.m. when they were struck by a BMW sedan driven by Thomas Xenakis, Jr., 37, of Southampton, police said.

The posted speed limit is 45 mph; there are no sidewalks or shoulders, and there are no street lights.

Jairisa Galindo, 18, was pulling Jyonshiel Martinez, 2, and Kahariel Martinez, 6, in a wagon while John Giles, 8, was walking next to them. Mahya Martinez, 13, was with the group, but was not struck. She was walking off of the roadway to the right in the grass.

Jyonsheil Martinez was transported to Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly where he was later pronounced dead. The remaining victims were flown to Cooper Hospital in Camden where they are listed in critical condition.

At this time, the details and circumstances of the crash are under investigation. Xenakis cooperated with investigators, and there are no indications that excessive speed, drugs, or alcohol were factors in the crash. No criminal charges are pending and no motor vehicle summonses have been issued.