BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — A 6-year-old boy was hurt Wednesday afternoon after he was run over by a school bus, according to a news release from Brooklyn Park Police.
Police said around 3 p.m. they responded to a hit-and-run accident involving a school bus in the 8700 block of Edinbrook Crossing North in Brooklyn Park.
Officers said they found the boy's "lower extremities" had been run over by a bus and he was taken to a hospital.
Police believe the injuries are not life-threatening.
During the investigation, police learned that the 6-year-old had been dropped off by a school bus in the parking lot of the Edinburgh Golf Course to walk home.
During the drop off, the child was run over by the bus, according to the news release. Police said there were other children on the bus at the time of the incident.
Initially, the bus driver left the scene, but officers later located the driver, who was unaware they hit the child, police said.
The boy's school, Prodeo Academy, released a statement Thursday, saying in part:
"Yesterday, we were devastated to learn that one of our scholars was severely injured by a school bus at their bus stop. The bus is operated by a company that contracts with Prodeo. Safety of our children is our top priority, and we expect that safety is the top priority of our contract partners.
We’re starting a thorough investigation of the safety practices of the transportation companies we contract with, and we will be in communication about the progress of this investigation. Since we learned about the accident, we have also been in communication with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.
The company that operates this bus has suspended the driver from the route.
Last night, two of our staff members were able to support the family of the child at the hospital and are staying in contact with the family. We will not be sharing information about the student’s health out of respect for the child and at the family’s request. We are keeping the family in our hearts, and our counseling and social work team will be working to support all affected by this event throughout the healing process.
Questions about the accident should be directed to the Brooklyn Park Police Department and Student Safe Transportation."
The bus company operating the route was Student Safe LLC.
Brooklyn Park police, along with the Minnesota State Patrol, are continuing to investigate.
