Police: Boy struck, killed by Metro Transit bus in Brooklyn Park
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — An investigation is underway after a boy was fatally struck by a Metro Transit bus in Brooklyn Park early Wednesday morning.
According to a press release from Metro Transit police, a bus driver reported shortly before 6 a.m. that they had struck a pedestrian on northbound County Road 81, south of 71st Avenue. There were no passengers on the bus at the time.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene and began life-saving efforts on the victim. The victim died at the scene at 6:13 a.m.
In a separate press release, Brooklyn Park police said the initial investigation determined the victim, a boy, was standing on the highway when he was struck by the bus. Further details on the victim have not been released.
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The bus driver will be placed on administrative leave as police investigate, as well as undergo drug and alcohol testing. Police say they believe it was an accident.
Metro Transit police are leading the investigation with help from the Minnesota State Patrol and Brooklyn Park police.
"This is an incredibly sad day at Metro Transit. My heart goes out to the family of the child, our bus operator, and all those affected by this tragedy," Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras said.
The medical examiner in Hennepin County will be releasing the victim's identity and cause of death at a later time.