A tragic incident unfolded in Livingston, Texas, as a young student was killed after an 18-wheeler struck him following his exit from a school bus, local authorities reported. The accident, which involved a Livingston Independent School District bus, occurred on U.S. 59 just north of the town on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the collision happened at approximately 4:15 p.m. when a 15-year-old freshman disembarked from the northbound bus, which was stopped in the outside lane with flashing red lights and the stop sign extended, KTRE reports. An 18-wheeler, following behind a Toyota passenger car, failed to control its speed, struck the vehicle, and subsequently veered right and hit the student.
The student, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace. Both the driver of the Toyota, 28-year-old Autumn Witt of Lufkin, and the truck driver, 41-year-old Gregory Jackson, were reported uninjured.
Lieutenant Craig Cummings of the Texas DPS informed FOX 26 Houston that the 18-wheeler driver failed to control his speed, which led to the fatal chain of events. While Livingston ISD released a heartfelt expression of loss, stating, "Our district lost a member of its family. At times like this, we are reminded how precious life can be and, how fragile each life truly is. It is sad when our district loses a member of its family. It is even more tragic when such a young life is taken away from us." The statement also extended thoughts and sincere condolences to the victim's family and friends.
