by Brooklyn, New York — An 11-year-old girl was killed Thursday afternoon after being struck by a school bus in a hit-and-run crash at a busy Brooklyn intersection, prompting renewed concerns over pedestrian safety and accountability in school transportation incidents.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Bath Avenue in the Bath Beach neighborhood, according to the New York City Police Department. Investigators say the child was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when she was hit by the bus while it was making a turn.
The girl was rushed to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition, where she later died from her injuries, police confirmed.
Driver Allegedly Fled the Scene
Police identified the bus driver as a 62-year-old man, who allegedly left the scene after the collision. Authorities later located the driver in another part of Brooklyn and took him in for questioning.
As of the latest update, no criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case.
Surveillance Video Shows Child Had Right of Way
Surveillance footage obtained by local media shows the girl entering the crosswalk with the right of way as a pedestrian. In the video, the school bus is seen turning from 23rd Avenue onto Bath Avenue before striking her.
Investigators are reviewing multiple angles of footage to determine whether traffic violations, driver inattention, or other factors played a role.
Witness Describes Heartbreaking Moments After Impact
A nearby deli employee said the child was a familiar face in the neighborhood and had just left his store moments before the crash.
“She came in every day. She bought chocolate and a soda,” said Wael Alghithi, who works at Bath Healthy Deli and Grill.
“She left here when she got hit. Oh my god, she didn’t usually go that way. She was all alone.”
Alghithi said the moments following the crash were traumatic to witness.
“Maybe she thought he was going to stop for her,” he said. “When he hit her, he kept moving like he didn’t see her. She was under the school bus, being dragged and he kept moving. She was still holding the chocolate in her hand.”
Community Shaken by Tragedy
Residents in Bath Beach described the intersection as busy and heavily trafficked, especially during after-school hours. Parents in the area said the tragedy has heightened fears about children walking alone, even in designated crosswalks.
The victim’s name has not been released publicly as authorities work to notify next of kin.
Local community members placed flowers near the intersection Thursday evening, creating a small memorial where the crash occurred.
Questions Surround School Bus Safety
The incident has raised questions about school bus driver training, turning safety, and post-crash responsibilities, particularly when minors are involved.
While it remains unclear whether students were on board the bus at the time, police confirmed it was a school bus operating in the area.
City officials have not yet released details about the bus company or whether the driver has prior violations.
Investigation Continues
Police said they are still determining:
- Whether the driver was aware he struck the child
- Whether speed or visibility contributed to the crash
- Whether traffic signals or signage were functioning properly
Authorities emphasized that leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury or death is a felony offense, though no charges have yet been announced in this case.
A Family’s Life Forever Changed
The death of the 11-year-old girl has left her family and community grieving, as neighbors struggle to understand how a routine walk turned fatal.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional video footage to contact investigators as the case moves forward.
Should penalties be tougher for hit-and-run crashes involving children and school vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comments.
