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A Missouri first-grader died Tuesday after he was struck by his school bus.

According to the state highway patrol, the 6-year-old boy disembarked from the 2000 Blue Bird bus after school in Plattin Township, about six miles south of Festus, and was killed after walking in front of the bus.

The bus was driven by Walter Dellenbaugh, 61.

Trooper Scott Roettger said during a press conference that “it’s difficult news to deal with, and certainly, it’s going to be hard for (the child’s parents) in the future.”

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Fox2 Now reported that the boy attended Plattin Primary School in the Jefferson R-VII School District. Tuesday was the final day before Christmas break, with holiday parties and carols.

“This is a bad day,” said Superintendent Clint Johnston. “This is a bad day for our school. This is a bad day for our community. I’m hurt.”

On Wednesday, Plattin Primary School provided crisis counselors and comfort dogs. In a news release, Johnston wrote: "We ask our Blue Jay Nation to keep the family and friends of this student, as well as our district staff, in your thoughts and prayers."

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