A Boston elementary school is under scrutiny after a substitute bus driver left students at the wrong stop, more than a mile from their intended destinations. The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, left the family of a 10-year-old boy speaking out about the trauma and dangers these students faced.
The boy, Avelino, celebrated his 10th birthday on the day of the incident and was one of the students from the Holmes Innovation School who was mistakenly let off by bus HS378. His aunt, Eliaris Diaz, expressed serious concerns to Boston 25 News, stating, "These little mistakes can cost somebody’s life."
According to Diaz's account, Avelino and his classmates realized the error and alerted the driver, who disregarded their concerns and instructed them to disembark the bus. The children were left at a Walgreens, a significant distance from their homes. Adding to the distress, Avelino suffers from asthma and panic attacks, adding another layer of peril to the situation. In a letter sent to the school community, Principal Lianne Hughes-Odom confirmed the error and reassured families, as reported by NBC10 Boston, that "this matter is being fully investigated and will be addressed consistent with district policies."
In a remarkable turn of events, a local school teacher who happened to be in the Walgreens assisted Avelino, contacting his father and ensuring his safe return home. The Boston Public Schools have stated they are aware of the incident and looking into the matter while the Holmes Innovation School maintains that they are committed to safe student transportation. Diaz relayed her interaction with the school, saying, "They didn’t know until I spoke with them. I talked with the principal and they got right on top of it."
As the investigation unfolds, Avelino's family is calling for increased security measures in school transportation. They fear without change, another incident could have a far more tragic outcome. Tuesday saw other Holmes Innovation students boarding their buses as normal, while Avelino's family made alternative arrangements for his return home.
