6-year-old and his mother die in bus crash in Mamaroneck, NY

A young student and his mother have died following a tragic accident in Westchester County, New York.

Mother and son die in tragic bus accident

The Associated Press reports that a 6-year-old boy and his mother were killed in a tragic bus accident in Westchester County on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

On June 20 at about 8:30 a.m., a kindergarten student and his 43-year-old mother were “about a half-block from Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School” when they were struck by a yellow van, according to the AP.

Unfortunately, the boy died instantly, while his mother was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The mother later succumbed to her injuries.

The AP reported that a group of parents and students “crossed the street at the crosswalk while the pedestrian light was on while the bus was turning left onto Mamaroneck Avenue on a green light.”

According to the police report, no charges are currently being filed against the driver as it appears to have been a “tragic accident.” There were several students and a counselor on the bus, but no injuries were reported.

Bus Safety Tips in New York State

While we wait to learn more details about the accident following the investigation, this is a good time to remind drivers and students of bus safety protocols.

Although we do not know how the accident described occurred, we can take steps to ensure the safety of children around arrival and departure times at school.

On two or more lane roads or on a freeway, if you see a bus stopped with a stop sign extended, you must stop, regardless of which side of the bus you are on.

READ MORE: School bus safety initiative launches in Orange County, New York

Check out the chart below, courtesy of the New York State DMV:

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle, children ages 4 to 8 (or preschool through 3rd grade) are “most vulnerable to a fatal school bus crash.” The DMB adds that this age group “makes up less than 35% of the student population” and was involved in 69% of fatalities in 2023.

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