Officials: 12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Hit By SEPTA Bus In Front Of School In Frankford Section

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Officials say a young boy was struck and killed by a SEPTA bus in front of a school in the Frankford section of the city on Friday afternoon.

It happened on the 4900 block of Torresdale Avenue, in front of the Warren G. Harding Middle School, around 3:10 p.m.

Police say a 12-year-old boy ran in front of the SEPTA bus that was traveling southbound on Torresdale.

The boy was taken to Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children, where he later died, SEPTA says.

"The entire School District of Philadelphia grieves the passing of one of our beloved students. We send our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the Harding Middle School community in this time of sorrow," the school district said in a statement.

A student tells CBS3 that a girl was chasing the boy in the school's yard when he told her to stop. The boy ran across Torresdale Avenue when she didn't and was hit by the bus.

Pastor Richard Smith said a group of kids ran inside his church yelling for help after they saw the boy run into the street.

"They said the SEPTA bus ran him over," said Smith.

Neighbors tell CBS3 there were no crossing guards out in front of the school.

"There used to be a crossing guard at this corner last year and at Bridge and Torresdale and since the new school year started they have not replaced the crossing guards," said one person.

Last month, city officials said there was a slight shortage of crossing guards this year. No word yet on whether Harding Middle School was supposed to have any.

Philadelphia public schools spokesperson Lee Whack says, "It's certainly going to be considered going forward."

The SEPTA bus stayed at the scene. No arrests have been made.

Stay with CBSPhilly.com for this developing story.

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