After being hit by a semi-truck while stepping off a school bus, a student in Texas lost their life.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that the 15-year-old was just getting off the Livingston ISD bus on U.S. Route 59 on Thursday when the fatal crash happened.
According to ABC network KTRK-TV and CBS affiliate KHOU-TV, the bus had stopped when the truck rear-ended a Toyota that was following it and then swerved into the driveway where the teen was getting off the bus.
The teenager passed away at the site; his name has not been made public.
Troopers are investigating a fatal crash involving a Livingston ISD bus on US 59 north of Livingston.
Sadly, we can confirm a 15-year-old student was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler as the child was leaving the bus.
Investigators remain on the scene, gathering evidence. pic.twitter.com/rwtff97Bio
— TxDPS – Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) December 8, 2023
The Fort Worth Star Telegram and KHOU-TV both reported that the bus’ flashing red sign was out at the time of the collision.
According to ABC affiliate KTRE, neither the driver of the truck nor the driver of the Toyota was hurt in the collision.
PEOPLE was able to obtain jail records from Polk County that show that Gregory Jackson, the 41-year-old driver of the truck, was charged with criminal negligent homicide after being taken into custody. A $250,000 bond has been set for him.
The victim was a student who went to school in the district, according to a statement from Livingston ISD.
As reported by KTRK-TV and FOX affiliate KRIV, the district remarked, “It is sad when our district loses a member of its family.” “The loss of a life at such a young age is even more tragic.”
The victim’s friends and family were also given the district’s sympathies. They also said that people in need can get counseling.
The district stated, “In moments like these, we are reminded how precious life can be and how fragile each life truly is.”
