School Bus Driver Suspended, Dragging Incident Under Investigation
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – An Ellwood City bus company has suspended a school bus driver, pending the investigation into how a student was dragged by the bus for nearly a block in Lawrence County.
The 8-year-old girl narrowly avoided serious injuries in Perry Township on Thursday.
State police say she was getting off of her school bus, which is owned by Ellwood City Transit, at Blue Jay Avenue and Raymond Street when her backpack got caught in the bus door.
"The girl had gotten tangled in the doors with her backpack," said Trooper Dan Kesten, of Pennsylvania State Police. "The bus driver proceeded on; she was apparently completely unaware that the child was tangled."
A neighbor who witnessed the incident said that the child's mother was waiting at the bus stop and saw her child get stuck in the doors. As the bus pulled off, she chased it, screaming at the driver to stop.
"We try to stress to all bus drivers just to make sure that those kids are very clear, far away from the bus," said Trooper Kesten. "And, you know, anybody who really let's off any passenger in a vehicle."
The child was treated at the scene by paramedics.
The incident remains under investigation.
"Right now, in the process of determining whether charges will be filed or not," Trooper Kesten said.
RELATED LINKS
Police Investigate After 8-Year-Old Dragged By Bus (1/16/14)
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