A western Massachusetts community is grieving following the death of a 9-year-old girl who was involved in a school bus accident Friday.
Police say the victim, Samantha Steele, was dragged and then struck by the school bus after it dropped her off, according to The Recorder.
Now the victim’s elementary school, Sanderson Academy, is offering counseling services as state and local authorities investigate the incident. A gathering took place Sunday afternoon when the victim’s name was released.
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The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at a bus stop in Ashfield. Police say the victim became caught in the door of the bus as she got off and the driver pulled away. The driver of the bus, who has not been identified, stopped the vehicle after he struck the student. Steele was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center, where she was declared dead.
The Plainfield Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Crime Scene Services and troopers are assisting in the investigation.
“While the investigation of this tragedy takes place, our school community is focusing on supporting one another,” Mohawk Trail Regional School District Superintendent Michael Buoniconti said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the family suffering this terrible, terrible loss.”
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