Sussex school bus accident; boy dead, hit in parking lot
SUSSEX, Wis. - A school bus hit and killed a kindergarten student in Sussex on Thursday morning, Jan. 2 – the first day back to class from the holiday break.
The call for help came in just before 8:40 a.m. The sheriff's department said the bus was carrying students when it hit a 4-year-old boy in the Silver Spring Intermediate School parking lot.
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Investigators said the K-4 student was at the school to transfer buses; students get off one bus at Silver Spring Intermediate School, then take a shuttle to Willow Springs Learning Center.
The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department described it as an "accident," and deputies are still investigating the cause.
Bus strikes child outside Silver Spring Intermediate School, Sussex
The sheriff’s department also said the bus driver is fully cooperating with the investigation.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Dairyland-Hamilton Bus Company said: "We offer our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and the Hamilton School community. Dairyland-Hamilton is fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this tragic accident, and we are in ongoing communication with our district partners."
Community shaken
The tragedy has shaken the community and shocked the 4-year-old boy's classmates. Waleed Edoud said his 5-year-old "saw everything."
"We’re no longer going to send our kids on the bus. That is our opinion on the whole matter," said Edoud. "They just have to stop doing this transfer stuff. That’s it.
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Parents of the kindergarten students gathered in a church parking lot across the street after the accident.
"She’s been really quiet in the car, so I’m not sure what’s she seen, yet, or anything," Robert Hildebrandt, whose child is also a K-4 student at Willow Springs, said. "It’s pretty bad. Sad. I feel horrible for them.
Classes canceled
The Hamilton School District canceled Friday classes for all students.
The school district and the Waukesha County Critical Incident Stress Management Team are available for students and families who may need some help – including how to talk to children and how parents can support their students. Services are available at the Sussex Civic Center until 6 p.m. Thursday.
School bus hits boy outside Silver Spring Intermediate School, Sussex
Hamilton School District letter to families:
"It is with extreme sadness that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. This morning a young student passed away after a tragic incident that took place at Silver Spring Intermediate School (SSI) prior to the start of the school day. The student involved was a 4K student who was at SSI transferring to a shuttle bus to be taken to Willow Springs Learning Center.
"Out of respect for the family, we are not sharing additional information at this time. Please join me in extending our deepest condolences to this student’s family.
"We understand tragedy is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school community, especially our students. Our student services team immediately began working with students and staff at several buildings this morning and will continue to provide support during this difficult time.
"If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your school principal or a member of our student services team.
"Thank you for your support at this difficult time. We will make every effort to help your child as needed."