A 9-year-old child was struck and killed by a school bus in Williamsburg on Friday morning, according to police. The deadly crash happened just before 8:20 a.m. at the intersection of Lee Avenue and Lorimer Street, leaving the corner sealed off with police tape as investigators went to work.
According to CBS New York, officers confirmed the victim's age but said there was no immediate information on what led up to the collision. CBS New York's footage shows the busy South Williamsburg intersection cordoned off while officers document the scene and speak with witnesses.
Local Safety Concerns
The tragedy lands in the middle of growing anxiety among families about traffic dangers on school routes in South Williamsburg. As reported by Streetsblog New York City, at least three children were hurt in separate traffic incidents in the neighborhood in late April, and residents have been pressing city officials for targeted fixes near bus stops and crosswalks.
How Common Are School-Bus-Related Deaths?
School buses remain one of the safest ways for kids to travel to and from school, but federal data show that crashes involving school transportation still claim lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that from 2012 to 2021, 206 school-age children were killed in crashes linked to school transportation, including dozens who were pedestrians, highlighting the particular risks around bus stops and unloading areas.
Investigation Underway
Police have not yet released the child's name, the bus company involved or whether any charges are being considered as detectives reconstruct what happened. The NYPD's Highway District Collision Investigation Squad typically handles serious and fatal crashes and is expected to examine bus route logs, surveillance footage and any on-board camera recordings as part of its work, consistent with prior Brooklyn cases. ABC7 New York has previously detailed the squad's role in investigating fatal bus collisions.
Community Response
Local parents and community advocates say the child's death is likely to intensify calls for targeted safety measures along school routes, including more crossing guards, redesigned curb space and clearly marked bus loading zones. As Streetsblog New York City noted, residents have already been urging the Department of Transportation to act near the busiest stops. Police are asking any witnesses to contact investigators as the probe continues.
