PLAINFIELD, Mass. — Police are investigating the death of a student who was dragged by and then struck by a school bus after she exited the bus.
The crash occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday as the 9-year-old girl was dropped off at her stop, according to a news release from the Massachusetts State Police.
For reasons that are still under investigation, upon exiting, the girl was not fully clear from the bus when the door closed. The girl was caught in the door as the operator began to drive away. The girl was dragged for a short distance and then was struck by the bus. The bus then stopped at the scene.
The girl, who was identified as Summer Steele, was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, NECN reports.
Several other students were on the bus at the time of the incident, according to the news release.
The operator of the bus was interviewed by state police detectives.
NECN obtained a statement from the bus company, FM Kuzmeskus Inc., which stated that the company is “greatly saddened by this tragedy.” The company also offered its condolences and prayers to the family, and said it is cooperating with authorities.
