BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A young girl lost her life Thursday afternoon after being struck by a school bus in a hit-and-run collision in the Bath Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn. The tragedy unfolded shortly after school dismissal when the 11-year-old was crossing in a marked crosswalk and was struck by a bus turning onto Bath Avenue. Emergency responders rushed her to Maimonides Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
🕯️ Tragedy at Busy Intersection
The crash occurred around 3 p.m. at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Bath Avenue, a place typically filled with students and pedestrians after school hours. According to surveillance footage reviewed by investigators, the girl was actively crossing within the crosswalk—where she had the right of way—when the bus made a right turn and struck her.
Witnesses reported the scene was devastating, with bystanders quickly calling emergency services after the collision. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the child succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
🚓 Bus Driver Located and Charged
The bus driver, identified as 62-year-old Wawa Aurelus of Brooklyn, did not stop at the scene and initially fled the area. Police later found him hours afterward in another part of the borough. Law enforcement has charged him with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, according to authorities.
Investigators continue to piece together the moments leading up to the crash as the NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad works the case. No additional charges have been announced as the inquiry advances.
