A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Thursday afternoon when a 15-year-old Livingston ISD student was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler immediately after disembarking from a school bus. According to Texas Department of Public Safety officials, the catastrophic event occurred just after 4:00 p.m. along U.S. 59 near Livingston, roughly 75 miles northeast of Houston. It has been confirmed that the bus was stopped with flashing red lights and the stop sign extended when the big rig collided with another vehicle behind the bus before veering right and hitting the teen in a driveway.
Troopers are investigating a fatal crash involving a Livingston ISD bus on US 59 north of Livingston.
— TxDPS - Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) December 8, 2023
Sadly, we can confirm a 15-year-old student was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler as the child was leaving the bus.
Investigators remain on the scene, gathering evidence. pic.twitter.com/rwtff97Bio
DPS told FOX San Antonio that the teen was declared dead at the scene. Investigators have yet to determine whether charges will be filed in the wake of the accident. DPS officials revealed that a Toyota vehicle, operated by a 28-year-old from Lufkin, was struck from behind by the semi-truck, which was driven by a 41-year-old. The drivers of both the Toyota and the truck were reported uninjured, while details relating to any other potential injuries on the school bus have not been provided.
Photos of the harrowing scene were posted on X, showing the stationary school bus, the 18-wheeler involved in the crash, and the active investigation being conducted by the troopers. The images, spotlighting evidence markings on the asphalt, depicted a grim tableau of the day's tragedy, as per the report shared by ABC13.
Aerial footage from SkyEye was captured nearly three hours after the crash, documenting an extensive investigation scene and the Toyota vehicle with evident front bumper damage. This footage illuminated the breadth of the law enforcement response to an incident that seemed to suddenly steal away one young life and plunge a community into mourning. Livingston ISD, in the midst of this tragedy, offered its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young student whose life was cut so tragically short.
