19-Month-Old Girl Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in Hotel Parking Lot: ‘Tragic Scene’

The fatal crash happened around 6:35 p.m. local time in the parking lot of HomeTowne Studios Houston-Northwest, the Houston Police Departmentsaid in a news release.

According to police, two women were bringing children down a flight of stairs at the complex when one of the women dropped a cell phone.

TheHouston Chroniclereported that the hotel also serves as long-term housing for families. The relationship between the three remains unclear at this time.

“As the woman went to retrieve the phone, one of the children continued walking and went into the parking lot,” the department said in the release. “At that time, a gray Chevrolet Impala struck the child.”

HPD commander Michael Chaney toldNBC affiliate KPRCthat the driver didn’t see the toddler as she drove in the parking lot.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The 29-year-old driver stopped, got out of her vehicle and attempted to render aid before paramedics arrived, per KPRC.

Chaney offered his “prayers” to the child’s family, calling it a “tragic scene,” KPRC reported.

Police said the 29-year-old driver did not show any signs of intoxication. She was questioned and was released.

No charges have been filed, though an investigation is ongoing.

source: people.com