Five-Year-Old Hit in Hit-and-Run in Netanya; Investigation Delayed Due to Driver's Vacation

Five-year-old Ori Gachbaridiev was struck in a hit-and-run accident about ten days ago while riding his bicycle near his home in Netanya. The child sustained serious injuries, including pelvic fractures and internal bleeding, and was hospitalized. Ori's mother, Gal, accused the police of negligence and expressed frustration over the investigation's delay, which she said was due to the driver being on vacation. She also criticized the police for their lack of assistance when she attempted to file a complaint, forcing her to collect evidence herself by canvassing neighbors for security footage.

According to the family, the driver exited the building's parking lot, hit Ori, and fled the scene without providing aid before going on vacation. Ori's father witnessed the accident, rushed him to the hospital, where he was initially treated and released, but later readmitted due to worsening symptoms. Gal described how her son went from being independent to wheelchair-bound and suffering from anxiety.

Gal recounted that police told her to obtain security footage from the municipality and that the investigator was dismissive during her complaint. After she gathered video evidence showing the collision and the vehicle involved, the police located and questioned the driver. However, the investigation was delayed because the driver was reportedly on vacation within Israel. The driver later asked to apologize to Gal through the investigator, but she refused, stating that the driver fled the scene and then went on holiday while her son suffered.

The family now demands a swift legal resolution and hopes the police will demonstrate care for victims. The Israel Police responded that they opened an investigation immediately upon receiving the report, conducted various investigative actions leading to the driver's identification and questioning, but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing nature of the case.