KAUKAUNA, Wis. — A student was fatally struck by a school bus while he was walking home from school on Tuesday, the first day of the new school year here.

Police said that the 12-year-old boy was crossing an intersection just before 3:30 p.m. when he was hit by the bus, NBC26 reports. The bus was making a turn into the intersection, according to WLUK. The boy was reported by NBC26 to have been in critical condition before dying of his injuries.

School bus company Kobussen Ltd. told NBC26 that the bus driver who was involved in the crash has been laid off pending the investigation.

A parent of a student here told NBC26 that there are not enough crossing guards near the school, and that in the short term, parents will be acting as crossing guards to help students cross busy intersections. She added that her daughter was almost hit by a semi on her way home from school on Tuesday.

Mark Duerwaechter, the superintendent for Kaukauna Area School District, issued the following statement:

“The Kaukauna Area School District is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our student, son, grandson, brother, and friend, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Our focus right now is on supporting those close to the student, and our trauma team is working diligently to prepare support for students and staff. Counselors, psychologists, and social workers will be on hand at each of our schools for as long as needed. Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to his family."