2nd Grade Student Struck, Killed by School Bus in Illinois
The student was seriously injured after being hit in Park Forest. He was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.

A 7-year-old boy was killed when a school bus, which was transporting students from Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163, struck him.
Photo: Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163
A 7-year-old boy was struck and killed by a school bus in Park Forest, Illinois, on January 20. According to Park Forest Police, the bus was owned by Kickert Bus Company and was transporting students from Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 at about 3:13 p.m. when the accident happened.
NBC 5 Chicago reported that the student was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Connor Kaczmarski. He attended Mohawk Primary Center. Kaczmarski's family members were present at the scene and started lifesaving measures before first responders arrived. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Park Forest police are still investigating after Connor Kaczmarski, 7, was hit and killed by a school bus driver.
What neighbors, police are saying ->> https://t.co/i5UesUgOZDpic.twitter.com/r9awvZmoP4— WGN Morning News (@WGNMorningNews) January 21, 2023
The school district and police department made grief counselors available to students over the weekend and at the start of the school week.
The district released a statement saying in part, "[Connor] was a joy to all of his teachers, kind-hearted, smart and funny; always with a smile on his face. He will be missed greatly by the Mohawk and District 163 students and educators. Our entire school district is saddened by this tragic event."
Park Forest Police reported that the school bus driver and witnesses were interviewed by investigators. At the time of the department's press release, it was not known whether the driver would be facing any charges. The investigation is being led by the Park Forest Police Department and the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team.
School Bus Fleet reached out to Cook-Illinois, which owns Kickert Bus Company, for a statement. An official for Cook-Illinois said they cannot make a comment since the accident is under investigation.
More Safety

Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation
Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards
After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes
From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection
A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.
Read More →
Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
