Haverhill, Massachusetts — A Massachusetts community is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old girl who died after the motorized scooter she was riding collided with a school bus, leaving another child seriously injured and prompting an ongoing investigation.
The tragic crash occurred Thursday afternoon at a busy Haverhill intersection, where emergency responders rushed to assist both children following the collision.
Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity as they continue notifying family members.
Two Children Injured in Scooter and School Bus Collision
According to Haverhill police, the collision occurred at approximately 4 p.m. at the intersection of Portland Street and 5th Avenue.
Investigators said the 12-year-old girl was riding a motorized scooter with another child when the scooter collided with a school bus.
Emergency crews arrived quickly and transported both children to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Authorities later confirmed that the 12-year-old girl died from the injuries she sustained in the crash.
The condition of the second child has not been updated publicly. Police have not indicated how many students, if any, were aboard the school bus at the time of the collision.
Investigation Into Crash Continues
Following the incident, officers closed the roadway as investigators examined the crash scene. Video from the area showed the school bus surrounded by police tape while a damaged black scooter remained in the roadway.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the collision or whether any contributing factors played a role.
The investigation is being conducted by the Haverhill Police Department, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Officials have not announced whether any charges are expected.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators to contact the Haverhill Police Department.
School District Offers Support to Students
School officials confirmed that the girl attended Haverhill Public Schools.
Following the tragedy, Superintendent Margaret Marotta announced that grief counselors would be available at the student’s middle school on Friday and again on Monday to support classmates, teachers, and staff.
The district is encouraging families to have conversations with children about safe scooter operation and the risks associated with riding motorized scooters.
Marotta noted that young riders often underestimate the dangers, particularly when sharing scooters with friends.
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“Many young people ride friends’ scooters or ride together, often without fully appreciating the risks involved.”
She added:
“These conversations could save a life.”
Community Mourns Young Student
The fatal crash has deeply affected the Haverhill community, located about 35 miles north of Boston near the New Hampshire border.
As investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened, residents, classmates, and school officials are mourning the loss of a young student whose life ended far too soon.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision and continue gathering witness statements and evidence from the scene.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Haverhill police as the investigation remains active.
What are your thoughts on electric scooter safety for children? Do you believe stronger safety measures or regulations are needed to help prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
