A young Oakland boy was killed Tuesday afternoon after he was struck by an AC Transit bus as he reportedly chased a ball into the street.

KRON 4 reports that two-year-old Jeremiah Esera ran into the intersection of 35th and Penniman Avenues at around 2 p.m. Tuesday, and was struck by AC Transit Bus #54, which the Chron reports was headed north toward Merritt College.

Esera was pronounced dead at the scene, and was, says Oakland Police Department Deputy Chief Darin White, "killed on impact."

"I heard mom cry, 'Help me, help me!' That's when I ran," neighbor William Roa told ABC 7, which reports that Esera was playing outside an apartment complex on 35th Avenue before the collision.

"They said he was running into the street to catch a ball," neighbor Paula Miller told ABC 7.

"I'm heartbroken. I was just speaking to his sister right before I went to the doctors. But kids play on the street all the time."

In an emailed statement, AC Transit spokesperson Robert Lyles says that they "extend our deepest condolences" to Esera's family, and says that the transit agency "will continue to work closely with the Oakland Police Department as they investigate the circumstances of this event."

Lyles says that the bus driver "has been with the District since 1999" and "is fully cooperating with the police investigation."

"Standard protocol requires that the operator undergo drug and alcohol screening," Lyles says, noting that "HIPPA regulations preclude AC Transit from releasing the names or conditions of individuals involved in any active investigation."

Speaking with ABC 7, Lyles noted that nearby construction slowed traffic in the area, and says that "there is nothing to suggest in preliminary information that speed was a factor" in this case.

According to Lyles, AC Transit is providing "therapeutic counseling to the Operator and staff members adversely affected by this truly tragic event." In addition, the Chron reports that an Oakland Fire Department chaplain was on the scene Tuesday to counsel witnesses and residents.

Though Esera's family has declined to speak with the media, they did release a statement Tuesday night, saying that "Jeremiah was a very rambunctious, lively two year old who loved to run dance and play."

"He was always helpful and loving showering his family with his sweet hugs and sloppy-face wet kisses. He will be missed dearly."