The town of Margate is in deep mourning after a heartbreaking accident claimed the life of four-year-old Zaahir Jan on Thursday, 7 August 2025.
Kent Police say the fatal collision occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Ramsgate Road, right outside Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, near the entrance to the Accident & Emergency department. According to initial reports, Zaahir — who had been visiting the hospital with his family — had just left the premises on foot when he was struck by a white single-decker bus.
Emergency responders rushed him into the hospital for urgent treatment, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead a short time later. His family has been notified, and police have since launched a formal investigation.
Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing to the public for witnesses, CCTV, and dashcam footage that may help piece together the events leading to the tragedy. They are particularly urging passengers who were on the bus at the time — and who have not yet spoken with officers — to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference KH//055/25.
In the wake of the tragedy, Zaahir’s devastated mother, Azaria, shared a deeply emotional message on the family’s GoFundMe page, where they are raising funds to give her son a dignified and beautiful burial.
“My son, my most beautiful little Jan… I don’t know what to do. I can’t believe you are gone from me. I can’t believe they couldn’t save you. I didn’t even get to tell you how much I love you. Our sweet, funny boy with a cheeky smile that could fill anyone’s heart — a smile we can never see again. We can’t hold him, can’t cuddle him, can’t have him sleeping in my bed tonight… But I can try to give him the most comfortable and beautiful burial.”
The heartfelt plea has struck a chord with the community, with friends, neighbors, and strangers alike expressing their sorrow and offering donations to support the grieving family. Many have described Zaahir as a joyful and loving child whose energy and laughter touched everyone around him.
The incident has also reignited calls for improved pedestrian safety measures around busy hospital entrances, especially in areas with high vehicle traffic. Local authorities are now facing pressure to review traffic management in the Ramsgate Road area to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, Margate stands united in grief, rallying behind the Jan family during this unimaginable time.