At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 10th, a six year-old Fort Augustus boy was struck by a vehicle after he had exited his school bus. The boy was not seriously injured as a result of the collision and was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a precaution and later released.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the boy reported the collision and the Public Schools Branch is aware and is conducting their own investigation into the matter.
The bus was travelling south on Route 21 when it came to a stop near the Fort Augustus Community Centre to allow children to exit the bus. The car involved was travelling north on Route 21 and current evidence suggests that the bus did not have its flashing red lights activated at the time of the collision. In addition, the road conditions at the time were snow covered and slippery as is often the case in winter.
The RCMP continues to investigate this incident to determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant a charge.
The RCMP urges the motoring public to be aware when approaching any school bus and to slow down in anticipation of stopping. Drivers can be charged for failing to stop, but worse yet, the safety of children are at risk. Please slow down and keep an eye out for busses and children.