Two students hit by car while exiting school bus

Two Willowick elementary students are in the hospital after being struck by a car as they exited a school bus on the afternoon of May 13.

City and school district officials reported that around 3 p.m a small group of students was exiting the bus, which was stopped near the intersection of East 300th Street and Barjode Road. As students exited, a car drove around the bus, striking two kids before leaving the scene.

Officials said that the identities of the students were not immediately released by request of their families.

Officials could not report on the condition of the two students but WilloughbyEastlake assistant superintendent Charles Murphy told reporters that he visited the students and their families at the hospital. The two students are of different age groups, officials added.

The stop arm and lights of the bus were apparently activated when the crash occurred.

Police reported that the suspect car was red with rust spots and displayed a temporary license tag. The driver was reportedly female.

Murphy said that the bus driver tried to warn the students that the suspect’s car was coming.

An investigation is ongoing. Footage from cameras on the school bus will be used, officials reported. It has not been determined whether or not speed was another factor in the crash. Although the incident occurred in a residential area with a 25 mph speed limit.

“It’s not something typical in our community,” Willowick Mayor Rich Regovich said during a media conference, “so everyone is shocked to see that this happened today.”

Murphy thanked Willowick emergency responders for their actions, as well as the citizens who came to the aid of the victims.

Anyone with information surrounding the incident can contact the Willowick Police Department at 440585-1234.