CRASH TRAGEDY: Boy, 4, Loses Life After Being Hit by Bus Outside Hospital — Mum Pays Tribute to ‘Beautiful’ Son
A Tragic Loss Outside a Kent Hospital
The quiet seaside town of Margate, Kent, was struck by heartbreak on August 7, 2025, when a four-year-old boy lost his life in a devastating accident. Zaahir Jan, described by his family as a "sweet and charming" child with a "cheeky smile," was hit by a bus just outside the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM). The tragedy unfolded moments after he left the hospital, where he had been visiting his grandmother. This unimaginable loss has left a family shattered, a community in mourning, and authorities searching for answers. Let’s delve into the details of that fateful day, the family’s grief, and the ongoing efforts to understand what happened.
A Heartbreaking Moment in Margate
It was just after 4 p.m. on a Thursday when the unthinkable occurred. Zaahir Jan, a lively four-year-old from Canterbury, had been at QEQM Hospital with his family, visiting his grandmother. According to reports, he left the hospital on foot, possibly running ahead as children often do, full of energy and curiosity. In a split second, a white single-decker Stagecoach bus, traveling uphill near the A&E entrance at a reported speed of 5 mph, collided with him. The impact was catastrophic. Despite being rushed back into the hospital, Zaahir could not be saved, leaving his family and the community in shock.
The scene was chaotic, with emergency services quickly arriving to secure the area. A witness, Gillian Murphy, a patient at the hospital, described the moment: “It was very busy with cars, and the bus was having trouble getting through. Next thing I knew, he was under the bus.” The tragedy unfolded in a place meant for healing, making it all the more jarring. Zaahir’s mother, Azaria Green, later shared her anguish, saying her son “fell under” the bus and “died immediately,” a gut-wrenching image no parent should endure.
A Family’s Unbearable Grief
Zaahir was the youngest of five children, a “sweet, funny boy” who brought joy to everyone around him. His father, Navid Feizi, a tyre fitter, described him as “the cutest, smartest, charmed boy,” always eager to help with his work. “This was the saddest day of my life—he was my heart,” Navid told reporters, his voice breaking with emotion. Azaria, his mother, echoed this devastation on a GoFundMe page, writing, “I am so lost. He was my son, my most beautiful little Jan. I didn’t even get to tell you how much I love you.” Her words capture a pain that’s impossible to fathom.
The family’s grief is compounded by another recent loss. Just days before Zaahir’s death, Azaria’s sister-in-law, Taz Green, was found dead by her teenage son, adding another layer of sorrow to an already unbearable time. A memorial area near the hospital became a place of solace, where Azaria and loved ones laid blankets, flowers, sweets, and heartfelt letters to honor Zaahir. The image of a mother mourning her child in such a public, raw way has touched hearts far beyond Margate.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Zaahir’s death rippled through Margate, a town unaccustomed to such tragedies. The hospital’s chief executive, Tracey Fletcher, expressed her sorrow: “We are very saddened by yesterday’s tragic incident and send our sincere condolences to the family.” Stagecoach, the bus company, confirmed their vehicle was involved and pledged full cooperation with the police investigation. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family,” a spokesperson said, noting support for the driver, who is likely grappling with the weight of the accident.
A GoFundMe page launched by Azaria quickly raised over £8,000, reflecting the community’s desire to support the family through funeral costs and beyond. “Everyone is devastated, but that word doesn’t feel like enough,” Azaria wrote, a sentiment echoed by those who knew Zaahir’s infectious smile. Friends and strangers alike have shared tributes, painting a picture of a boy who lit up every room, leaving a void that will be felt for years.
Searching for Answers
The Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit is working to piece together the events leading to the crash. Early findings suggest Zaahir ran into the road for reasons unknown, colliding with the bus’s front nearside. The investigation is ongoing, with police appealing for witnesses, CCTV, and dashcam footage. “Anyone who saw the incident or has relevant information should contact us,” a spokesperson urged, providing a dedicated line and email for tips.
An inquest opened on August 27, 2025, at Oakwood House in Maidstone, shedding light on the circumstances but leaving many questions unanswered. Coroner Ian Potter noted the bus was part of a loop passenger service, a routine route that turned tragic. The lack of clear reasons for Zaahir’s sudden movement into the road adds to the mystery, making the investigation all the more critical for closure.
A Call to Protect the Youngest
Zaahir’s death has sparked a broader conversation about child safety near busy areas like hospitals. Navid Feizi, in his grief, urged parents to “watch out for your kids when they’re out running around because they are kids.” It’s a painful reminder of how quickly a moment of innocence can turn deadly. The hospital grounds, bustling with vehicles, highlight the need for better pedestrian safeguardstrips. This tragedy is a call to action, urging communities and authorities to prioritize safety measures in such spaces.
For Zaahir’s family, the road ahead is one of healing and remembering a boy whose smile could “make anyone’s heart full.” As they prepare to say goodbye, their love for him fuels a push for answers and change, ensuring his memory lives on in their fight for a safer future.