Child Dies After Being Struck by Pastor’s Van

An 18-month-old boy was killed Monday morning after being struck by a van driven by his church pastor, police said.

The incident occurred about 10 a.m. when Pastor Juan Rodriguez--returning from a trip to the grocery store--drove into the driveway of the Disciples of the Cross of Christian Church in the 10000 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, said Det. Greg Pfeifle of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Daniel Cornejo, who was standing with his mother, ran toward the van and was struck and pulled under the wheels, Pfeifle said. The child suffered severe head injuries and died at the scene.

Daniel and his mother, Rosa del Carmen Alvarado, arrived in the United States just a month ago from El Salvador, Pfeifle said.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the incident was an accident, Pfeifle said, and Rodriguez was not being held. “It’s a tragic situation,” he said. “A series of unfortunate circumstances led to this.”