WICHITA, KANSAS: A school bus struck and killed an 8-year-old girl while she was waiting to leave for school on Wednesday morning in a Kansas neighbourhood.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office said that Harmoney Marie Harper was struck by the school bus at around 7:23 am in Wichita, Kansas, according to Fox News. The elementary school student stepped out between two cars with her brother before being struck by the school bus.
According to police, the young girl was struck by a Derby School District Yellow Blue Bird School Bus and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators think the bus was already moving when Harmony was hit as she ran across the road.
No charges expected
In a Thursday morning update, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office stated that although the crash is still being investigated, no charges are anticipated.
Derby Superintendent Heather Bohaty told local outlet The Wichita Eagle in a statement, "We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our students, Students and staff will be supported by additional social workers from schools across our district."
What did Harmoney Marie Harper father said?
Harmony's father Jasper Harper said, “My wife said she heard my son screaming for his sister, and she came outside. I got woke up to ‘I need you now.’ I got dressed. Before I made it to the front door, I had heard, ‘Call 911, my daughter’s dead,'” as reported by KSN.
He said, “My daughter wasn’t crossing 47th, where people are moving 40 mph. She was playing outside her home, where she felt safe,” said Harper.
He wished his daughter be remembered for her love of life.
“At 7:20 am 8/16/23 our family lost a very special little girl Harmoney Marie Harper, to a tragic bus accident. We are asking for help with funeral arrangements whatever people could offer for a fixed income family. As we know in this time of need all the good hearts of our human race will always step up to help. Harmoney’s laughter and smile will be forever missed. If you are unable to make a donation, please leave prayers and encouraging words for this family," he said in a GoFundMe message.
