PORT ORANGE, Fla. — Tragedy struck on Friday morning in Port Orange as a young student lost her life after being struck by a car before school. The incident occurred near the entrance of Sugar Mill Elementary School, where a fourth-grade student was hit by a vehicle that had just dropped off another student and was leaving the area. Despite the immediate life-saving efforts by Port Orange police, the girl was unfortunately pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital in Daytona Beach.
Following the devastating event, the school is actively notifying parents and families while also arranging for grief counselors to support students on campus. Officials from the Volusia County school district expressed concerns about safety measures at the location, revealing previous incidents that have occurred in the area. One such incident in 2022 involved a child on a bike who sustained minor injuries after being hit. In response, the school board implemented preventive measures to safeguard the area.
Port Orange police are collaborating with the school to evaluate potential changes to enhance safety at the crash site. They are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash, which involved a driver who remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Described as visibly distraught, the driver is being scrutinized as part of the investigation. Law enforcement officials are collecting data from the vehicle and reviewing footage from nearby cameras in an effort to piece together what led to the tragic event.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward and provide information to the traffic unit. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, efforts to ensure the safety of students and pedestrians in the area remain a top priority for the school district and law enforcement agencies. The tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in school zones.