Child and mother struck and killed by bus near school in Mamaroneck

A kindergartner and his mother were  killed after being struck by a school bus while walking to school on Thursday morning, ABC News7 reports. 

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Mamaroneck Avenue near New Street. First responders found both victims lying on the road. The 6-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene, and his 43-year-old mother was taken to the hospital where she later died from her injuries. Witnesses reported hearing the mother shouting for the bus to stop.

"The saddest part was just seeing his lunch box, his school bag opened, and all the pencils out. The kid just wanted to have a day at school," said witness Nick Zamora. "And it was his last day."

Initial police investigations revealed that the school bus was traveling eastbound from New Street and turning left onto Mamaroneck Avenue with the green light. As the bus was turning, several parents and children were crossing the street at the crosswalk with the walk sign.

The driver, a 68-year-old man, is cooperating with the authorities, and police say it appears to be a tragic accident. No charges are currently pending. It's still unclear why the bus driver did not yield to pedestrians, but parents have been requesting a crossing guard at that location for years.

"There's no excuse," said Mamaroneck resident Lori Lyons. "No excuse for the village of Mamaroneck to not have had someone out here for years. This should've never happened today!" Lyons shared that she used to walk her granddaughter to school every day when she was in Kindergarten. "I knew in my heart that a tragedy was going to happen at some point," she added. "There were too many little children and people walking every single morning, and traffic was completely not under control. My heart is very heavy and sad today."

The school, in the midst of end-of-year festivities, will now be staffed with grief counselors.

"Our plan tomorrow morning is to open fully staffed with providers who can support students," said principal Sandra Zadrima. "Our plan is to band together wraparound services for the family and make sure everyone feels supported. That's what a community does, and that's our intent." 

The bus was en route to Mamaroneck Avenue School at the time of the crash. Several students and an aide were onboard, but no other injuries were reported.

"We are working with authorities to stay abreast of the situation and put any necessary supports in place for our students, staff, and families," Superintendent Dr. Charles Sampson wrote in a letter to the community. "Our thoughts and hearts are with the entire MAS community."