A school bus accident in Mamaroneck has struck the community after fatally claiming the lives of a kindergarten student and his mother.
In suburban New York, a Kindergarten student and his mother, were killed when a school bus struck both of them while walking their way to Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School.
The incident took place early morning, just after 8:30 a.m., which has left the local community in shock and mourning.
Details of the Tragic School Bus-Struck Accident
Police authorities have detailed that the 6-year-old kindergarten pupil and his 43-year-old mama were walking roughly half a block from the school when a yellow minibus, carrying several pupils and an assistant, struck the two of them.
The collision incident happed as a group of parents and children, including the victims, were crossing the road at a crosswalk with the walk signal illuminated. At the same time, the bus was turning left onto Mamaroneck Avenue with a green light.
Emergency responders arrived immediately at the scene. Unfortunately, the juvenile boy was pronounced dead on the spot. On the other hand, the mother was taken to a nearest hospital for much needed medical attention but thereafter succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities haven't released the identities of the victims, other than verifying that they were residents of Mamaroneck. The school bus driver, a 68-year-old man from Mt. Vernon, isn't presently facing charges, as original findings suggest the incident was an accident.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering testimony statements to understand the full circumstances of the event. No injuries were reported among the pupils or the passengers of the school bus.
Community Support and Response
The Mamaroneck Union Free School District expressed deep anguish over the grievous loss. After hearing about the incident, School district officials released an authorized statement offering condolences to the bereaved family.
The statement adds that there's nothing more tough for a community to endure than the loss of life, and they know that everyone in the Mamaroneck and Larchmont communities is shaken by this news.
The academy recognizes the profound impact of the tragedy on the Mamaroneck and Larchmont communities. With that, the institution adds that counseling services would be available at the academy to support pupils and staff during this tough time.
The school staff has been informed of the tragic incident, and social workers and psychologists are completely posted at Mamaroneck Avenue School. Their intention is to maintain as much normalcy for pupils and staff as possible while also being thoughtful and considerate of their needs and feelings.
It has been reported that the Royal Coach Lines minibus was positioned at the crash point, with a yellow backpack set up roughly 20 feet behind it.
The bus was recently hauled from the scene, and the backpack was collected by police officers. Royal Coach Lines, a major school bus contractor in Westchester County, has not yet commented on the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department is leading the investigation, with aid from other local authorities. They are presently examining surveillance footage and gathering witness testaments to piece together the sequence of events. Although the original findings indicate the crash was accidental, the investigation remains ongoing to assure all factors are considered.
As the community struggles to come to terms with this devastating loss, support services remain a priority for the affected families and school community.
The Mamaroneck Union Free School District continues to deliver resources and counseling to help pupils and staff manage with the tragedy.
