ORLANDO, FL – A tragic school bus accident in Orlando has taken the life of a 9-year-old boy, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident happened on Tuesday when the young student from the Orange County Public School exited the bus at the Waterford East Apartments.
After leaving the bus, the kid quickly ran back and crawled underneath for reasons yet unknown. Unaware of the child’s actions, the 54-year-old bus driver began to drive forward, unfortunately hitting the boy with the right rear tire of the bus. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident has profoundly affected the boy’s family. Also, FHP investigators dealing with such a distressful scene are devastated and continue their investigations. According to Lt. Tara Crescenzi, the FHP spokesperson, the ongoing investigation will include a video review.
In response to the tragic incident, Orange County Public Schools expressed its deep sorrow. The district Superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez, released a statement asking the public to pray for the entire community of Lawton Chiles Elementary School as they mourn the loss of one of their students. The district is currently cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the FHP.
The bus driver, who reportedly had been with the school district for over a decade, remained at the scene of the accident. He is also cooperating with the investigation, according to Lt. Crescenzi.