WORCESTER, MA — A tragic incident unfolded in Worcester on Friday afternoon, August 1, 2025, as authorities responded to a report of a young child critically injured after falling from a window. The Worcester Police Department, along with Worcester Fire and EMS personnel, were dispatched to the area of 490 Shrewsbury Street shortly before 1:00 p.m., following a call for assistance involving a 2-year-old boy who had suffered a traumatic fall.
When first responders arrived at the scene around 12:50 p.m., they encountered the child’s father, who was attempting to rush his son to the emergency room. According to police, the man stated that his toddler had fallen from a window of the residence and was unresponsive. Emergency medical crews swiftly took over care and transported the child to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Preliminary findings indicate that the child fell approximately 10 to 12 feet from a window onto the hard surface of a driveway below. Investigators say the window was fitted with a screen, which the child reportedly fell through. The screen was closed at the time of the incident, but it is important to note that window screens are not designed to support the weight of a child and cannot be relied upon as safety barriers.
At this time, the incident appears to be accidental in nature. Worcester Police emphasized that their investigation remains ongoing, but there are currently no indications of foul play or negligence beyond the tragic circumstances of the fall. Detectives are working to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to the accident, and child welfare officials have also been notified as is standard protocol in cases involving critical injuries to minors.
“This is an incredibly heartbreaking situation,” a WPD spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the child and his family as he fights for his life. We urge all parents and caregivers to take extra precautions when it comes to window safety—especially during warmer months when windows are more likely to be open.”
The case has sparked renewed concern over child window safety, a recurring hazard that has prompted numerous public safety campaigns across the country. Falls from windows are a leading cause of injury-related deaths in young children, particularly toddlers, who are naturally curious and lack a sense of danger. Experts recommend the use of childproof window guards, window stops that prevent them from opening more than a few inches, and ensuring that furniture and other climbable objects are kept away from windows.
Local officials are reminding residents that while window screens may appear to offer protection, they provide no structural support and can give way under minimal pressure. “We all want to enjoy the breeze during the summer, but safety must always come first—especially when children are present,” said one city safety inspector.
As the investigation continues, Worcester authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward. The police department reiterated their commitment to transparency and to supporting the family during this traumatic time.
Worcester residents and community members have expressed an outpouring of sympathy and concern for the child and his family. Several local organizations have reached out to offer support, and neighbors in the Shrewsbury Street area have already begun organizing resources for the affected family.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, police are urging all families to take a moment to review window safety measures in their homes.
For More Information on Window Safety for Children:
- Use window guards or window stops that prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
- Keep furniture and other climbing hazards away from windows.
- Never rely on screens to keep children safe—they are meant to keep bugs out, not children in.
- Always supervise young children, especially in rooms with accessible windows.
The Worcester Police Department continues to handle this case with care and diligence and asks the public to keep the injured child in their thoughts during this critical time.
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