3-year-old girl killed, 2-year-old brother Injured by SUV in Harlem

A mother and her three young children from New Rochelle were crossing the street in Harlem when two of the toddlers were struck, resulting in the death of one, ABC News 7 reports.
 

The tragedy occurred at West 135th Street and Lenox Avenue, directly in front of Harlem Hospital, around 7:40 p.m. on Thursday.
 

The 40-year-old driver immediately attempted to carry the injured 3-year-old girl into the hospital, but despite his efforts, she could not be saved. She was identified on Friday as Jaynelyse Valdez.
 

Her 2-year-old brother sustained minor injuries, while their 37-year-old mother and a 4-month-old boy were unharmed. 
 

Investigators reported that the driver, in a Nissan SUV, was making a left turn from Lenox Avenue onto West 135th Street when the children were struck. The driver remained at the scene to answer police questions.
 

A witness, who was on the phone with his wife at the time of the crash, said the impact was so loud that she heard it through the phone.
 

"My wife said, 'What the hell was that?' and I looked up... there were kids on the ground, people screaming within seconds. I saw a little kid crawling out from under the bumper. I didn't even see the stroller at first. She was screaming, but everyone came to help," recounted witness Ralph Iacono.
 

Community members are calling for increased traffic enforcement in the area.
 

"This intersection is dangerous. People come around this corner recklessly and don't stop," said neighbor Jermaine Adams. "We need NYPD traffic officers here 24/7 because this intersection is always crowded. The signs are confusing, and people don't know which way to go."
 

An active investigation is ongoing. So far, no arrests have been made.