6-year-old girl struck and killed by SUV in Bayham

Police say a six-year-old girl has died after being struck by an SUV in Bayham, Ont.

Elgin County OPP officers responded to the scene at approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Investigators say Melissa Klassen of Norwich Township was running next to the vehicle on a private property when she was hit.

“The investigation itself is going to determine a lot of the information that we still are reviewing,” West Region OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor told AM980.

“Early information is that the child was simply running next to the vehicle for a short time when the incident occurred. It was on a stretch of private property that involved a long pathway.”

She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Sgt. Dave Rektor added that it’s too soon to say whether charges will be laid in the case.

“We have to wait, obviously, until all the investigation portion is complete before we can say definitely one way or another. It would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time but certainly we are offering whatever support we can, victim services, to the families involved.”

The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collision continues.