Two elementary school students in Kelowna’s Upper Mission were seriously injured after being struck by an SUV as they crossed after getting off a school bus, prompting RCMP to renew warnings to stop for school buses.
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Kelowna RCMP are reminding drivers of the legal requirement to stop for school buses after two elementary school students were struck by a vehicle Thursday in the city’s Upper Mission, with police saying both children were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Police said the incident occurred on Arbor View Drive after the students had gotten off the school bus. RCMP Col. Steven Lang said the bus had just dropped off the children and that they were in the process of crossing when they were hit by an SUV coming head-on towards the school bus from the opposite direction.
Kelowna RCMP said the road was closed for several hours while officers investigated. Lang also stated that one person was taken into custody but has since been released, and that no charges have been laid at this time.
Lang said alcohol was not believed to be a contributing factor. He added that police are still investigating other potential factors related to criminality or related circumstances.
RCMP said they are also looking into whether the school bus activated its flashing red lights at the time of the crash, a detail that could be relevant to how drivers are required to behave at school bus stops.
Under provincial law, Lang said drivers are required to stop on both sides of a school bus when it is loading or unloading students. He noted that drivers must remain stopped until the bus stop sign and lights are turned off before proceeding.
The superintendent for Central Okanagan Public Schools, Jon Rever, said the district is focused on student support following the collision. In a written statement, Rever said the school district is “deeply saddened” by the incident and that its post-critical incident response team is supporting students and staff, and engaging in conversations with families at home and school to help ensure students’ safety and well-being.
Police added that several other students were still on the bus and witnessed the incident, underscoring the potential impact of the crash beyond those who were injured.
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