Khalsa School Mission has fired a bus driver after a seven-year-old student was hit after getting off the bus.
The Oct. 6 incident in the 3000-block of Curlew Drive near Highstreet Shopping Centre was captured on surveillance video, in which two children are seen disembarking from the bus.
The first child can be seen jogging around the front of the bus and up a driveway, while the second child walks off the bus and begins to walk in front of the bus. The bus begins moving soon after the second child gets in front it.
The boy tries to run but is knocked to the ground by the bus, which continues to drive down the road.
The boy was transported to hospital with serious injuries and was still in hospital as of Oct. 17, according to a statement from the school.
“Khalsa School’s first priority is the care and well-being of our students, and to ensure our transportation practices are safe,” the statement reads. “We deeply regret that this accident happened.”
The school reviewed safety protocols and reinforced them with all its remaining drivers, according to the statement.
The school held a two-day prayer service for the boy and has been supporting the family, who have asked for privacy while they heal.
Names of the child and driver have not been released.
Sgt. Judy Bird said the driver is believed to have not seen the boy and is cooperating with the Abbotsford Police Department’s general investigations team.