A 6-year-old girl was killed Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a school bus in Frankfort, police said in a statement.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the girl as Jenna Menias of the 500 block of Aberdeen Road in Frankfort.
Officers responded at 3:24 p.m. to that block and found Menias unresponsive as a result of serious injuries from the collision, police said. Witnesses and first responders administered CPR and other life saving measures before Menias was taken by ambulance to Olympia Fields Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 4 p.m., the medical examiner’s office reported.
Frankfort Elementary District 157-C said in a statement that Menias was a student at Grand Prairie Elementary School and called the incident an “unimaginable loss.”
More Top Picks Best Gaming Pcs
“Everyone in the Frankfort School District 157-C community is devastated by this tragic loss and offer our sincerest condolences to our student’s family and friends,” the school district said in its statement. “We mourn alongside them and hold them in our thoughts during this time of profound grief.”
Police said there were several other passengers on the school bus at the time, though there were no other injuries. The remaining passengers were all safely reunited with family, police said.
“This tragic incident has had a profound impact on those involved, their families, and our communities,” police said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.”
The district’s schools were open Wednesday “to receive all our students and staff as we process this tragedy as a school community,” the district said in its statement.
The school district said additional support staff and mental health resources would be made available throughout the district to support students and staff struggling with grief, anxiety and other emotions.
Lincoln-Way Transportation provides bus service for Frankfort District 157-C. Jen Vujosevic, director for community relations for Lincoln-Way High School District 210, confirmed the bus was theirs.
“Lincoln-Way Transportation is devastated by the tragic accident that occurred in Frankfort yesterday, and we express our sincerest condolences to the family during this very difficult time,” Vujosevic said in an email. “Transportation is working closely with local and state officials on the investigation of this accident.”
The accident is the second tragic, high-profile incident involving the death of a child in Frankfort in recent weeks, following the Sept. 1 death of 2-year-old Barrett Walsh. Barrett’s mother, Corie Walsh, was charged with murder in his death and had her first court appearance Tuesday.
“Heartbreaking news again involving a child,” Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle wrote on social media. “Please pray for the family, those present and also our first responders.”
Trustee Jessica Petrow encouraged community members to come together and support each other.
More Top Picks Apple Airpods 4 Anc
“This week, our community has experienced unimaginable tragedy,” Petrow said in a statement. “Lives have been taken far too young, leaving families and loved ones facing a pain no one should have to endure.”