An 8-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by a car while attempting to board her school bus in Henry County, Georgia. The tragic event unfolded on Thursday when a Ford Fusion, driven by 25-year-old Kaylee Andre, collided with the young victim on Jackson Lake Road, as confirmed by the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
The identity of the victim, a student at Rock Springs Elementary School, has not been disclosed. The school bus involved had its red flashing lights activated, with the stop sign displayed, indicating that it was in the process of loading or unloading students.
Despite these safety measures, the devastating accident occurred as the victim crossed the roadway.
Emergency Medical Services personnel from Henry County provided immediate life-saving measures at the scene, and the girl was airlifted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta in critical condition. Regrettably, she succumbed to her injuries on February 2, according to GSP.
In response to the tragic incident, GSP troopers arrested Kaylee Andre on Saturday, charging her with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, failure to stop for a school bus loading and unloading, and failure to exercise due care. She is currently in custody at the Henry County Jail, as documented in court records.
Reports suggest that Andre may have ignored the school bus’s warning signs, continuing to drive despite the activated safety indicators. The windshield of her vehicle may have also been partially obstructed by ice, potentially contributing to the fatal accident.
Safety Measures Around School Buses
Community members, including parents from Rock Springs Elementary School, expressed profound sorrow and empathy for the victim’s family. The incident has left the community in shock, prompting concerns for the safety of children in the area.
A makeshift memorial at the accident site stands as an emotional tribute to the young life lost, with condolences pouring in from the community.
The Georgia State Patrol is aggressively looking into the unfortunate occurrence and gathering information in order to understand the series of events that led to this tragic result.
The Georgia State Patrol is aggressively looking into the unfortunate occurrence and gathering information in order to understand the series of events that led to this tragic result. These kinds of instances illustrate the need for safety protocols, especially in the vicinity of school buses.
Road safety regulations are addressed with a focus on the need to stop while a school bus is loading or unloading pupils. Ignoring basic safety precautions can lead to severe outcomes, as demonstrated by this tragic event.