A 12-year-old boy was killed after being struck by a school bus in Whitefield, Maine, on Friday morning. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported that the fatal incident occurred near a local elementary school where the boy was a student.
According to police, the bus driver failed to notice the child in front of the vehicle at a stop and began to move forward, running him over. Authorities allege that the driver was not looking at the road at the time of the incident.
Law enforcement and emergency responders arrived quickly, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The school district notified parents and students, offering grief counseling and support services for the community.
Investigators said the driver, who remained at the scene, is cooperating with authorities. No charges had been filed as of Saturday, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Local residents and school officials described the tragedy as a devastating loss. The community gathered at a vigil to honor the young victim, placing flowers and candles near the site of the crash.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said one school administrator. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family.”
The school district said bus operations would continue, but safety protocols and driver monitoring would be reviewed in light of the accident.
Author’s summary: A 12-year-old Maine boy died after being run over by a distracted school bus driver, prompting grief and a safety investigation in the community.