Child, 6, struck by vehicle while getting off school bus

P.E.I.RCMP are investigating after a six-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle while getting off a school bus in Fort Augustus on Friday.

In a release, police said the bus was travelling onRoute 21, at about 3:30 p.m., when it came to a stop near the Fort Augustus Community Centreto allow children to exit the bus. The car that struck the boywas travelling north on Route21.

"All of a sudden he saw a child cross in front of that bus. In all indications, he told us he slammed on the brakes, but wasn't able to stop in time, and actually ended up hitting the child," said Sgt. Craig Eveleigh.

"The evidence right now suggests the bus did not have its lights flashing at the time. But we've only taken a couple of statements. We have several other witnesses to interview to determine whether or not the bus was stopped correctly and had the lights flashing."

Police said the boy was not seriously injured from the collision but was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a precaution. Theysaid road conditions at the time were snow covered and slippery.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the boy reported the collision, the release said.

RCMP said the Public Schools Branch is aware and is conducting their own investigation, and the police investigation is also continuing.

"This was very, very scary," Eveleigh said.

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