Haverhill officials are investigating a fatal collision involving a 12-year-old girl who was struck by a school bus while riding a motorized scooter on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Portland Street and 5th Avenue, according to Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.
The girl, who attended Haverhill Public Schools, was riding the scooter with another child who was seriously injured in the incident. Both children were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The 12-year-old girl died from her injuries, while the condition of the other child has not been made public. Her name has been withheld pending notification of family members. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing, involving local and state police as well as the state medical examiner’s office.
The bus involved in the collision is operated by Community Action, Inc., which provides Head Start transportation in the Greater Haverhill area. Kerri Sheeran Perry, CEO of Community Action, expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a statement, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to safety and cooperation with authorities. She noted that all drivers undergo extensive training and screening prior to employment and highlighted the dedication of the transportation team, many of whom have decades of experience.
The tragedy has prompted responses from local officials, including Margaret Marotta, superintendent of Haverhill Public Schools. In a message to families, Marotta described the incident as a heartbreaking loss and extended condolences to the student’s family, friends, and classmates. She also urged the community to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Highlighting broader concerns, Marotta pointed to the increasing presence of motorized scooters in the area and the potential risks they pose, especially to young riders who may lack experience or a full understanding of traffic safety rules. She encouraged parents and caregivers to discuss scooter safety with children, noting that many youths ride borrowed scooters or ride together without fully appreciating potential dangers.
Grief counseling services were made available at J.G. Whittier Middle School immediately following the event and are planned to continue in the coming days to support students and staff. The school district called for compassion and community support as those affected begin to process the loss.
This fatality follows a recent serious crash in Haverhill involving a man in his 50s on an e-bike. That incident occurred on June 16 in the area of Amesbury Road, further underscoring concerns about motorized vehicles on local streets. Authorities have not provided updates on the man’s condition.