Mother, 2 kids fatally struck by semi in Back of the Yards

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A mother and her two children were killed when they were struck by a semi truck while crossing a street in the Back of the Yards neighborhood Friday evening, police said.

Police said Elizabeth Peralta-Luna, 30, and her son Dylan, 4, and daughter Elizabeth, 9, were hit by the truck around 5 p.m. near the intersection of 43rd and Ashland. All three were taken in critical condition to local hospitals, where they later died.

"It all happened so fast, it's just horrible. To see some kids like that on the ground, it's crazy," said Carlos Camargo, a witness.

People inside a nearby Dunkin' Donuts who were looking out the window say the eastbound semi truck turned right onto Ashland, hitting a mother and her two children who were crossing the street on foot.

"The mom and the daughter were not moving, but the baby - the little boy - he was moving, wiggling, just laying on the floor there. It's terrible," said Nina Gomez, a witness.

Witnesses say the impact jolted the truck. Peralta-Luna was dragged several feet, but the driver kept going. The 18-wheeler finally stopped nearly a block away after witnesses flagged down the driver.

"People that were in here started running after the trailer to let him know he had hit someone, and he still kept going. He didn't know he had hit them," Camargo said.

The truck is operated by an Iowa-based Monson & Sons, which transports meat and refrigerated foods.

The ABC7 I-Team has learned the truck involved in the accident passed inspection in January 2014. And while records show at least one another fatal incident in the company's history and numerous violations, including driver fatigue and log record violations, the firm's overall safety score is higher than the national average.

"I'm still shaken up. I'm sweaty. I mean, it's terrible. It's a terrible tragedy for sure," Gomez said.

ABC7 reached the trucking company Friday night, but they declined to comment. The truck driver was questioned by investigators, but so far, has not been ticketed or charged.