A crowd gathered at a bus stop in Scarborough Sunday evening to remember a 14-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a TTC bus.
Amaria Diljohn, 14, was struck at the corner of Finch Avenue East and Neilson Road, at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Friday.
Crystal Diljohn, the girl’s mother, was among the first to arrive for Sunday’s sunset vigil, where a makeshift memorial was built out of candles arranged on the frozen grass in the shape of a heart.
Some placed flowers and trinkets at the centre of the heart. Others held up photos of their beloved friend.
Diljohn had been attempting to cross Neilson Road from east to west when she was hit by the 133 Neilson bus, which did not remain at the scene, according to Toronto police.
Const. Clint Stibbe said on Saturday that he was looking to speak with six passengers who would have been on the bus sometime between 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday.
“These witnesses were observed on board by the TTC in bus security camera,” he said.
The 27-year-old bus driver was questioned on Saturday. No charges have been laid.
It is not clear whether the driver came forward to police, who had called the incident a possible hit-and-run on Friday night.
Stibbe said Saturday that evidence is being reviewed and he is asking any witnesses to contact police. “We’re looking at the entire situation to determine exactly what happened.”
The TTC said it is co-operating fully with the investigation. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the TTC go out to the girl's family during this very difficult time,” it said in a statement.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, which represents TTC bus drivers, also released a statement.
"We are shocked and devastated by this grievous tragedy and our hearts go out as one to this young girl's family and friends,” said the ATU. “No words can express the depth of our sadness for those who knew and loved her.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-1900 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, by texting TOR and a message to CRIMES (274637), or on Facebook.