Fire & Life Safety

9-year-old dies in school bus accident in Plainfield, Mass.

Girl was caught in the door as she left the bus and was run over by the vehicle.
Oct. 31, 2016

A 9-year-old girl died Friday in Plainfield, Mass, after she was dragged and run over by a school bus.

WWLP-TV reports that the victim was identified as Summer Steele of Plainfield. She was a third-grade student at Sanderson Academy, an elementary school in Ashfield, Mass. 

Authorities say the accident occurred at about 4 p.m. Friday as the student was being dropped off at her bus stop. Investigators say the girl was not fully clear from the school bus, and she was caught by the door when it closed. The bus driver drove off, and the girl was dragged for a short distance before the bus ran her over.

The bus driver is cooperating with investigators, police say. No charges have been filed.

Classes were held Monday at the school, and counselors were on hand to help students and staff cope with the girl's death.

Video from WWLP-TV:

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

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