Olney-Bissell student struck by vehicle as she exited school bus

A 6-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle and sustained injuries after school on Tuesday as she was getting off the school bus just west of Whitefish on U.S. 93.

A press release from Olney Bissell School Administrator Trevor Dahlman said the student exited the bus with other students at a designated stop near mile marker 137 and was struck about 4:44 p.m. by an oncoming vehicle that failed to stop, even though the proper bus lights and stop signs were fully activated.

The girl was transported to a local hospital by ambulance, the press release said. According to a report from KECI-TV, Montana Highway Patrol said the child suffered a traumatic brain injury.

The Montana Highway Patrol and Olney Bissell School District are investigating the crash, the release noted.

Olney Bissell staff met early Wednesday morning, “with the support of Whitefish School District administrators and counselors in order to debrief and develop a plan to support our students, staff and families,” Dahlman said. “Olney Bissell School District will continue to make student safety our top priority.”

Roads were snow-covered at the time of the accident, but it’s unknown whether road conditions were a factor in the crash.

KECI-TV reported that no arrests have been made, but charges are pending.