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Florida boy, 9, killed after crawling under moving Orange County school bus: FHP report

By FOX 35 News Staff
Updated  January 16, 2024 10:58pm EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

Boy killed after crawling under moving school bus

A 9-year-old boy has died after being hit by an Orange County school bus, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The incident happened late Tuesday afternoon at the Waterford East Apartments on Island Bay Drive.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A 9-year-old boy has died after being hit by an Orange County school bus, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The incident happened late Tuesday afternoon at the Waterford East Apartments on Island Bay Drive [GMap]. 

In a preliminary report by the FHP, troopers said the bus was stationary when the boy exited the vehicle. The report states that as the bus driver proceeded to leave the complex, the boy ran back toward the bus and crawled underneath it as it was moving. Troopers said the bus driver was unaware of the boy's actions and ran over him.  

A woman who identified herself as the boy's aunt told FOX 35 News that he ran under the bus to chase a football, adding that he was an avid football player.

"It is absolutely devastating for this family that is here, but also for our investigators that have to investigate this type of scene," said FHP spokesperson Lt. Tara Crescenzi.

The boy was the only student on the bus, Lt. Crescenzi added. 

FHP provides update on deadly school bus crash

A 9-year-old boy has been struck and killed by a school bus in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

According to Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), the child attended Lawton Chiles Elementary School.  The school district released a statement addressing the incident on Tuesday evening. 

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of one of our precious students who was involved in a bus accident late this afternoon. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the student's family and school community," wrote OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez, in a statement sent to FOX 35. "To lose a child so suddenly and tragically is extremely difficult, especially for family and friends."

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Dr. Vazquez also said that counselors would be available for any student or staff member. 

"We ask that you keep the entire Lawton Chiles Elementary School community in your prayers as they grieve the loss of one of their own," she added.

The identity of the child was not immediately released. Neighbors are still in shock, mourning the loss of a young life.

"It’s a small community. All the kids know each other, you know what I mean, and the mother is – I can just imagine how she feels," said Irene Torres. "Very sad."

Kenia Thomas is a neighboring mom and said her son lost his best friend.

"He just saw him. I don’t think he can fully comprehend what’s going on. He just knows that his best friend -- he’s not going to see his best friend, so I know it’s hard for him," Joachim said.

Family and friends gathered at the scene as investigators started piecing together what happened. 

"It’s going to be extremely tragic for a long period of time and probably for the rest of their lives for what has happened here tonight," Lt. Crescenzi said.

Troopers reviewed the surveillance video of the school bus and apartment complex and interviewed at least one witness.

"We know we’re never going to see him again. You go from seeing a little baby every day to now he’s just gone," Torres added.

The bus was towed away for a mechanical inspection. Its 54-year-old driver was also interviewed. FHP said he has more than a decade of experience.