EDMONTON – St. Albert RCMP say a six-year-old boy was struck and killed by a school bus while crossing the street on his way to school Friday morning.
It happened at around 8:40 a.m. at the intersection of Sir Winston Churchill Avenue and Woodlands Road in St. Albert.
RCMP Cst. MJ Borroughs says the child was crossing the street on foot – along with other people – when he was hit by the bus. One witness told Global News she was across the street at the time and heard another boy yelling, “my brother, my brother.”
The intersection is about 200 metres from the school.
School officials say there were students from two different schools on the bus when the boy was hit. Thirty-seven children were registered to ride the bus at that time, however, RCMP do not know the exact number of students on board.
The school district says the child was a Grade Two student at École Marie Poburan. His identity will not be released at this time.
The family of the child has been notified and the district has a critical response team on site supporting the family members and students.
Watch: Fletcher Kent reports on the tragic death of a six-year-old boy in St. Albert
“At approximately 8:40 a.m.… St. Albert RCMP received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a school bus,” says Borroughs. “As a result, a six-year-old boy is deceased.”
A notice has been sent out to families with children who attend the school.
“Our district was struck by tragedy earlier today,” said Superintendent of Schools, David Keohane.
“It’s an absolutely tragic loss and it’s shocking to students and families.”
Keohane said parents can pick up their children if they wish to do so.
“This accident is an immense loss to everyone who knew the victim,” he added. “Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the family, friends and classmates of this student.”
The district will be watching students for signs of distress in the wake of this event, and a counselling team will be on site for the next week and as required.
The name of the bus company – which is hired on contract – has not been released yet.
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An investigation into the fatality continues. No charges have been laid at this time. RCMP say alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors.
Cst. Burroughs says there is a pedestrian cross-walk with flashing lights to cross Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, but there is not one across Woodlands Road – which is where the boy was crossing.
“We’re very thankful that we have a caring community,” said Keohane, “and although it is a challenging job – and a job that we will be very determined to be engaged in to support students and families – it becomes easier when we know that the resources from our sister district have been in place, and we’re very appreciative of that.”
“I’m just so sad. It just doesn’t seem real,” said St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse. “Everywhere I go people are really feeling down today.”
Crouse says a review of all school intersections will be done, which some in the area say is a long time coming.
Watch: Ross Neitz reports on a push by parents to make the intersection safer
“We’re going to do a full review of all school sites to make sure that all traffic calming measures across all schools – we have 25 schools in the community – we need to make sure that all schools are looked at, not just this one.”
“I hadn’t heard about this particular site being a concern, but now that this has happened, we must move with urgency to make sure that this site and all sites are reviewed.”
He says the review will look at cross-walks, traffic-calming measures, drop-off zones, turning lanes, and speed limits around the community’s schools. It will also examine the technology and procedures in place currently.
Friday afternoon, students and neighbours dropped off flowers and stuffed animals at the crash scene, but the items were later removed by family members.
“It’s just so sad that that would happen,” said high school student Amie Campbell, visibly shaken. “It’s such a young kid, and I feel so bad for the family,”
“It’s really sad that it happened,” she added after laying flowers at the scene.
“I’m very shocked… it just brings shivers up my spine,” said Stacy Graninger-Sthatz who was walking with her son Reid who’s in kindergarten at Sir Alexander MacKenzie school.
“We normally take the bus right around there, so that’s normally our bus stop, just past Sir Winston Churchill, but this morning we drove to school.”
“We’ve had phenomenal bus drivers here in St Albert, so I really feel for the bus driver as well as the family. Certainly we’re thinking a lot about them.”
Hank and Ruth Baars live right next to the intersection.
“We heard nothing, except the siren,” recalls Ruth. “The only time we knew there was something wrong was the siren.”
“I saw all the flashing lights in the window,” adds Hank. “I looked out and there was the bus and … about four or five police cars.”
“Later on we spoke to a constable and they were saying that a little person was killed.”
“It’s shocking. Maybe there should be lights… there’s lots of little kids who go to school in the morning.”
Ruth pointed out there are lights to cross one of the roads. “Maybe there should be the four-way lights instead of just the one-way,” she says.
The couple expressed how sad they were to hear the news of the little boy’s death, and said their thoughts are with his parents.
“Very sad,” said Hank quietly. “You feel very sorry that things like that to a young person that has so much future ahead, and all of a sudden it’s just taken away from them.”
“It must be… a dreadful thing for the parents,” added Ruth. “Nobody likes to see their child go before you.”
Alberta Education Minister Jeff Johnson issued a statement regarding the fatality:
“On behalf of Alberta Education staff and my Legislature colleagues, I want to share my sympathies and condolences.
“The loss of a young life is tragic and, as a father, my heart breaks for the child’s parents. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
“This loss affects the entire community, especially students. I commend the superintendent, trustees and staff of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, as well as the principal, teachers and support staff of École Marie Poburan for the support they are providing to students, parents and the school community. I would also like to thank the local first responders for their courageous efforts.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic event.”
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