Hundreds of people gathered Sunday to mourn the death of an infant killed when an out-of-control bus knocked over a light pole, which then fell into her stroller.
A viewing for 8-month-old Angelie Paredes was held Sunday at Vainieri Funeral Home in North Bergen.
The child was killed and seven others injured Tuesday when the bus veered off a West New York street, hitting the pole that fell on the stroller. The bus then struck a tree, another pole and a parked car that then hit three other vehicles.
The bus driver, Idowu Daramola, is being held on $250,000 bail. He faces charges of death by auto, reckless driving and using a cellphone while operating a vehicle.
Among those attending the viewing were West New York police officers who were among the first on the scene and tried to save the child's life.
Angelie's parents, Maylin Hago Paredes and Jairo Paredes were joined by friends, family members, neighbors, and hundreds of strangers touched by the tragedy. There was also a strong presence of friends of the parents from college. Jairo Paredes attended Emerson High School in Union City and Rutgers University.
Family friend Joanner Romero told The Jersey Journal that Angelie's parents are still “very upset” about their loss, but they also were touched by the goodwill of family, friends and community members who came out to comfort them. The family wants to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and talking on cellphones while driving because they do not want this to happen to another family, Romero said.
The child's funeral will be held Monday morning at the funeral home.
