EXETER, N.H. (AP) – A man whose son was nearly killed by a parade float five years ago said Tuesday that state lawmakers should have required a minimum 3-foot railing on floats instead of rejecting the bill.

Thomas Fogarty, 9, was run over and killed by a float in a holiday parade in Portsmouth on Saturday.

Peter Nichypor, of Exeter, said Thomas’ death brought back memories of his son being injured in a similar accident five years ago. Nichypor’s son, Alexei, was run over by a Christmas parade float in Hampton. Like Thomas, Alexei was riding on the float.

“He stood up, slipped and fell through, beneath the 1,500 pounds worth of trailer,” Nichypor said. “I ran over to see if he was OK, and that’s when the vehicle started to move again.”

Nichypor said he and a bystander screamed for the truck to stop, but the driver didn’t hear them. He said they both grabbed his arms, but the wheels ran over his son’s legs.

Alexei survived with nothing more than serious bruising, but Nichypor said the accident still haunts his son.

“My parting words to lawmakers were, ‘I hope your lack of action doesn’t result in the death of a child,”‘ Nichypor said.

Calling hours are being held for Thomas on Wednesday night at the Farrell Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. James Church in Portsmouth.

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Information from: WMUR-TV, http://www.thewmurchannel.com/index.html