Child Run Over By Private School Bus Wednesday

RAMAPO, NY — A five-year-old girl was struck and driven over by a private school bus on Wednesday morning. The bus driver apparently did not see the child crossing in front of him.

Police said their initial investigation revealed that the vehicle, a school bus from Congregation Beth Rochel, collided with the child while she was crossing in front of it to get on board.

Police said the bus driver was apparently unaware of the child’s presence and began moving forward. While the bus was in motion the safety bar affixed to the front began to close, and knocked the child to the ground.

The bus then continued forward, driving over the little girl. The undercarriage of the bus did make contact with the child; however, at no time did she get run over by the tires, police said.

Ramapo police, called to the scene, said the Hatzolah Ambulance Corps. was there and transported the child and her mother to Nyack Hospital for evaluation. The child was discharged from Nyack Hospital at 2:20 p.m. after being treated for bruising to her face.

The bus driver, Gavriel Surkis, was cited for New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1162 (Unsafe Starting).

Child Protective Services was notified of this incident as per Ramapo Police Department protocols.