Police: Kindergartener and mother fatally struck by mini school bus in Mamaroneck
The accident involved a mini school bus and another vehicle.
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A kindergarten student and his mother were fatally struck by a mini school bus while walking to school Thursday morning, according to police.
The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. in front of the Mamaroneck Centre shopping complex at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue and New Street, police said. The school bus remained at the scene.
Police say they received several 911 calls about a child and a woman being struck at the intersection.
The school bus was traveling westbound and had a green light when it struck the victims at a crosswalk where children and adults were walking, according to detectives.
Police say the bus had adults and children on board but were not injured.
According to police, the preliminary investigation determined that it was a "tragic accident."
The 6-year-old Mamaroneck Avenue School student was pronounced dead at the scene, and his 43-year-old mother was taken to the hospital for treatment where she later died, according to police.
Police say the 68-year-old bus driver from Mount Vernon stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
Detectives say they are looking into surveillance footage as part of their investigation.
Police say they would not release any names as of Thursday afternoon.
Mamaroneck school officials issued a statement saying, in part, "There is nothing more difficult for a community to experience than the loss of life, and we know everyone in the Mamaroneck and Larchmont communities is heartbroken by this news. We know that the death of a child is particularly difficult for other children to process. At this time, we have informed our staff of this incredible loss, and social workers and psychologists are fully deployed at MAS."
Mamaroneck Avenue was closed between Jefferson Avenue and the North Barry Avenue extension while police investigated the scene but has since reopened.
School officials say they have assembled a crisis team that will be available all day Friday for students and staff.
Grief counseling will also be available for the community all day Friday.
School officials say they plan to open Friday and will ensure resources are available for students and staff.
