UPDATE 11:27A
Driver hits nearby student at Lehigh Acres bus stop; a child airlifted directly to Golisano Children’s Hospital. This alarming incident unfolded early Friday morning, as the Florida Highway Patrol reported a somber scene. A child, innocently perched at the edge of the road, sat in front of an SUV, waiting for the arrival of a second school bus.
Earlier, a school bus had come to the stop and collected several children before departing. In a tragic twist of fate, the SUV’s driver began to pull away, unaware of the young child waiting just in front of their vehicle. The collision, a heartbreaking moment in time, caused serious injuries to the child, prompting immediate action.
Witnesses observed as the driver abruptly reversed the vehicle and halted. Paramedics arrived swiftly, with the child being airlifted to Golisano Children’s Hospital for urgent medical care.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
In a quiet neighborhood of Lehigh Acres, just after 7 am, a pedestrian tragedy occurred. An SUV struck a 9-year-old boy who was waiting at the intersection of Columbus Blvd and Ermine St for his school bus. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, and, in a poignant display of urgency, deputies and fire personnel tended to the scene, hoping to bring comfort amidst chaotic circumstances.
The boy, relying on what should have been a routine morning, was airlifted with serious injuries, leaving the community in shock and sadness.
As the community grapples with this unsettling event, Lee County School District Spokesman Rob Spicker echoed the sorrow many felt: “We are aware of the accident and looking into it. We remind our entire community that students are at the bus stop every morning and afternoon, and it’s up to all of us to drive carefully and keep them safe.”
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District reported that the call came in as a trauma alert, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the responsibility each driver holds when sharing the roads with children. It stirs contemplation about the need for greater vigilance, especially in neighborhoods bustling with young lives, eager for their day at school. It also highlights the emotional weight that comes with every tragic event, echoing through the streets of a community that ought to feel safe and secure.
In light of this, it is essential for all drivers to remain attentive, recognizing that small moments can alter lives significantly. A random fact: statistically, children are at a higher risk of injury at bus stops, reinforcing the need for heightened awareness when navigating these everyday routines.
