Residents of Springfield, Ohio, are raising concerns about a surge in traffic accidents, including deadly incidents, following the arrival of approximately 20,000 Haitian immigrants. The community gained national attention after an unlicensed Haitian immigrant hit a school bus in August 2023, killing 11-year-old Aiden Clark and injuring 20 other students, leaving locals traumatized.
David Cook, a Springfield business owner, pointed to the increase in accidents involving unlicensed Haitian drivers as a major concern. He noted that many have avoided driver’s education requirements, leading to reckless driving incidents, including a viral video showing a green Kia crashing into a police cruiser after running a stop sign. Cook, whose family was on the bus during the fatal crash, shared how the tragedy has impacted the children, with some experiencing nightmares and refusing to ride the bus without their parents following.
Tremont City Mayor Tony Flood, who coaches football, echoed these sentiments, describing the trauma faced by young students affected by the crash: “It’s PTSD. It’s not normal for little kids to attend funerals for their friends.”
In another tragic incident, Springfield resident Kathy Heaton was struck and killed by a Haitian driver with an expired license while outside her home in December. Despite the seriousness of the case, prosecutors declined to press charges.
Locals like Cook have criticized the influx of Haitian workers, arguing that Springfield, a former manufacturing hub, didn’t need outside help to “turn things around.” Cook believes the quality of life in Springfield is already as good as anywhere in the U.S., even amid the tough times following the decline of the area’s industrial base.
