Child, Grandmother Killed In Accident Involving Alvin ISD School Bus

MANVEL, TX — A 5- year old boy and his grandmother were killed, and three other were badly injured when an Alvin ISD school bus crashede into the back of several vehicles Monday afternoon, officials said.

Investigators with the Department of Public Safety said the accident happened at about 3:20 p.m. on State Highway 6 and County Road 99 and involved an Alvin ISD school bus with only the driver onboard. (Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

Investigators said the bus was traveling on State Highway 6, and rear-ended se3verfal cars that were stpped at a traiffic signals.

The bus allegedly hit the back of one vehicle, and pushed the car into several others vehicles.

The child and his 60-year old grandmother were in the first car at a traffic signal when they were rear-ended by the bus, and severely injured by the impact.

Both were flown to an area hospital by Life Flight, but they later died.

The grandmother was identified as Karen Salazar of Manvel, investigators said.

The identity of the child has not been released, but according to a KHOU report, he was a pre-kindergarten student at E.C. Mason Elementary School in Alvin.

The Alvin Independent School District released this statement:

"Our hearts and minds are grieving right now for the members of the family involved in this unthinkable tragedy. This tragedy is too difficult to process and the emotions are too raw to feel anything but hurt and sadness for the family. This family is at the forefront of our minds at this time. As a community, we ask you to wrap your love and support around the family. This tragedy impacts our community as a whole, including those at E.C. Mason Elementary that cared deeply for our student and his family."

Crisis counselors will be available to students and staff membera ar E.C. Mason Elementary this week, according to the press release.

Meanwhile, the child's 63-year old grandfather was also injured in the crash and was taken by EMS to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to recover.

A fourth person in another vehicle was also taken by EMS to an area hospital for treatment, according to a Houston Chronicle report.

DPS oficials said the initial investigation indicated that the bus driver failed to control his speed.

KPRC reported that the bus driver was being tested for intoxication, and was being fully cooperative with authorities.

Charges have not been filed against the bus driver.

Image: Shutterstock

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