Child struck and killed by school bus in Boston
A child was struck and killed by a school bus in Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood on Monday afternoon.
Police said the boy was hit by the Boston Public School bus at about 2:42 p.m. in the area of 107 Washington Street. The child was coming home from school and lived in the neighborhood.
The boy was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. His age was not released.
"He was in bad shape. It was the worst thing I've ever seen," said witness Nathaniel Thomas.
The driver of the bus is cooperating with the investigation, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said.
Police, DA investigating
"This is a tragic investigation of a child being struck and who is deceased," Cox said, "and we are doing all we can to make sure we investigate the root causes, and everything associated with this."
Cox said anybody who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police.
There were children on the bus at the time, and several were taken to hospitals to be evaluated, Cox said.
"There are a lot more questions than there are answers in a situation like this right now unfortunately," Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.
Hayden said the investigation will be complex and will include GPS and video evidence. "Right now, everyone's hearts and minds should be with the family affected here," Hayden said.
Boston mayor "heartbroken"
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she is "completely heartbroken."
"No parent expects that they could send their child off to school and have something horrible happen," Wu said.
Mayor Wu thanked first responders and Good Samaritans who jumped in to try and do anything to help the boy.
"Not only did one child end his life short. All those other kids are now traumatized because of that," said neighbor Andre Quinones. "It's a tragedy for sure."
City trauma teams are in the neighborhood providing resources. There will also be mental health resources in Boston schools on Tuesday.
"Tonight, we are grieving this heartbreaking loss," Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said. "We extend our deepest condolences to our student's family, school community, and all those affected by this tragedy. Our focus remains on supporting them and our school community. Our team is offering support services for any students, staff, and families."
