A nine-year-old Abbotsford girl has died from her injuries after being struck by a city bus at a crosswalk at the intersection of South Fraser Way and Hill-Tout Street around 8:20 a.m.
Emergency crews arrived on scene to find the girl seriously injured. She was transported to hospital where she died of her injuries.
The driver of the transit bus remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators,” says APD Sergeant Judy Bird.
“At that time of morning it was still quite dark as well as our weather conditions were very rainy, so there was some visibility issues. But at this time we’re in the very preliminary stages of investigation.”
The identity of the girl has not been revealed at this time.
In a statement, B.C. Transit president Manuel Achadinha said he is “extremely saddened” about the fatal incident.
“I, along with everyone at BC Transit, am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of the nine-year old girl involved in an incident with a BC Transit bus this morning in Abbotsford. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the driver and the other witnesses of the event including passengers on the bus," he said.
“BC Transit takes safety very seriously, and is cooperating fully with the Abbotsford Police Department, BC Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement, and other partners to investigate what occurred. BC Transit will also be conducting an internal investigation to determine if there are any additional measures that can be taken to prevent this type of incident from occurring in the future.
“As there is an on-going investigation, the Abbotsford Police Department will need to respond to further questions about the specific incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the APD at 604.859.5225, to text APD at 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477.
