A 9-year-old boy has died after being struck by a school bus while riding his bike Wednesday afternoon in Almonte, Ontario. The collision occurred around 3:40 p.m. on Paterson Street, shortly after school dismissal, according to Ontario Provincial Police.
The boy, a student at R Tait McKenzie Public School, was hit in front of Holy Name of Mary Catholic School while students and staff were outside. Witnesses say staff immediately performed life-saving measures before the child was transported to Almonte General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Upper Canada District School Board says mental health supports will be available for students and staff at R Tait McKenzie, with Superintendent Casey Nelson expressing condolences on behalf of the school community.
The road was closed for several hours as police investigated. OPP offered their sympathies to the boy’s family, friends, and the affected school communities.