‘Absolutely heartbreaking’: Child dies after being struck by school bus in Hyde Park, police say

BOSTON — An investigation is underway after a child was struck and killed by a school bus in Boston on Monday afternoon.

Officers responding to a report of a pedestrian crash involving a school bus at 107 Washington Street in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood around 2:45 p.m. found a boy at the scene, according to the Boston Police Department.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said during a news conference just after 5:00 p.m. that the child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced deceased.

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'Worst thing I've ever seen': Man tried helping young boy hit and killed by school bus in Boston

“I just came home...I just saw a kid on the ground and a relative member screaming,” said Nathaniel Thomas, who ran to try to help the child who was struck. “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”

Video from the scene showed the school bus roped off with yellow police tape, debris scattered in the street, and several police officers scouring the area for evidence.

“The girl was screaming, the bus driver apparently ran over the kid, trash worker said he saw him speeding” said Thomas.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a press conference. “I hope all of us hug our kids a little tighter tonight, and continue to send our prayers and deepest condolences to the family members and all the loved ones of this child that has been lost.”

Superintendent Mary Skipper shared the following statement:

“Tonight, we are grieving this heartbreaking loss. 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."

Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune also expressed her sympathies for the victim and his family.

“My heart breaks for the child, their family, and our BPS community at this time,” she said. “No one should ever have to bury someone so young - someone with so much promise. The days ahead will be difficult for the family, and we will wrap them with support and love during this tragic incident.

School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson said in part:

“Our hearts break for the child’s family and entire school community following this tragic incident. I have been in close contact with the superintendent who has assured me that her team is providing support services to any students, families, and staff members who may need it.”

The public was urged to avoid the area until further notice due to the large emergency response.

Police noted that the bus driver remained at the scene of the crash, however, it wasn’t immediately clear if they would face charges.

Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden said if his office needs to hold someone accountable for this incident, they will.

See photos from the scene:

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Boston police noted that firefighters, EMS crews, and homicide detectives were called in to assist with the investigation.

A source tells Boston 25 News that the bus driver was transported to BPD for questioning.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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