The incident took place around 3:24 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8
Credit: NBC Chicago/Youtube
NEED TO KNOW
- Jenna Menias, 6, was fatally struck by a school bus near her family’s home in Frankfort, Illinois on Tuesday, Sept. 8
- Police and witnesses attempted life-saving measures, but she later died at the hospital
- The school district and mayor expressed condolences and support for those affected by the tragic incident
A 6-year-old student has died after being hit by a school bus in Frankfort, Illinois.
The crash occurred around 3:24 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to multiple outlets including CBS News and NBC Chicago, citing information provided by the Frankfort Police Department.
Officers responded to the scene following reports of a crash involving a “juvenile pedestrian” and a school bus, added local outlet WGNTV. The child was transported to the hospital, where she later died of her injuries, the outlets added.
The girl was subsequently identified as 6-year-old Jenna Menias by NBC and CBS, which both cited the Cook County Medical Examiner. She was reportedly walking near her family home when the incident happened.
Police noted in their report that witnesses and first responders immediately started CPR and other life-saving measures before she was transported to the hospital, added NBC.
Credit: Getty
“This tragic incident has had a profound impact on those involved, their families, and our community,” the police added, per WGNTV. “We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this heartbreaking event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, their family, loved ones, and all those impacted as they navigate this difficult time,” the police said.
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“We kindly ask the community and media to respect the privacy of those involved and their families, allowing them the time and compassion they need during this period of grief,” the police department concluded.
The outlet noted that Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 confirmed the bus involved was a Lincoln-Way bus transporting Frankfort 157-C students, adding that Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 was fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Frankfort School District 157-C, where Menias was a student, also issued a statement, saying, “We know that an event of this nature deeply affects our entire school family. We encourage students who may be feeling worried or upset to reach out to a trusted adult, teacher, social worker, or other member of our school support team,” reported CBS News.
The outlet added that the school district also said several students had been on the bus when Menias was struck, and that they were evaluated at the scene by emergency responders before being reunited with their families.
Credit: Frankfort Police Department Facebook
Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle asked for prayers for the child’s family, witnesses, and first responders after the crash, calling the situation “heartbreaking,” reported NBC Chicago.
PEOPLE has reached out to Frankfort police, the Frankfort School District, the Cook County Medical Examiner, and Mayor Ogle but didn’t immediately receive responses.
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