HEARTBROKEN parents have paid tribute to their “sweetest, kindest, and most generous” three-year-old girl who died in a horror car crash.
Louisa Palmisano was walking on Mosley Street, Manchester, just before 10am on Saturday when a van reportedly rebounded off a tram and hit her.
@gmp.police.ukLouisa Palmisano, three, died in the tragedy[/caption]
Tributes are seen near the spot where the tragic crash took place
Cops today arrested the driver of the van, who had fled the scene
The tot’s parents released a heart-wrenching statement following the tragedy.
They said: “Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl.
“She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.
“Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our only child, our whole world.
“We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.
“The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”
Emergency services were called to the scene after a white Mercedes-Benz van smashed into a tram.
The vehicle was forced onto the pavement where it struck the toddler.
Lulu was rushed to hospital but tragically passed away a short while later.
Cops today arrested the driver of the van, who had fled the scene.
Officers detained a 36-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He remains in police custody.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Page, of our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added: “The family are being supported by specialist officers and have requested that the public and press respect their privacy at this time.
“We have arrested a suspect and have brought him into custody.
“This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the case to come forward to get in touch with us.
“Please contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25.
“Alternatively, details can be shared on our LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
This comes after shop workers nearby recalled their horror after hearing a loud “crash” and then seeing the damaged van.
One woman, who works nearby and didn’t wish to be named, said she’d heard that a girl had been injured in the collision, but didn’t realise the youngster had died.
Another shop keeper told The Sun: “It looked like the tram had hit the van to one side.
“The collision must have made the van go onto the pavement where it hit the poor girl.”
Another added: “I can’t imagine what her parents are going through.
“It’s awful to lose a daughter like that. They must be completely heartbroken.”
MEN MediaPolice officers at the scene[/caption]
MEN MediaFlowers on Mosley Street[/caption]
MEN MediaA person walks past flowers left undercover[/caption]
LNPFlowers left at the scene of the collision[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
