# *Everyone Should Read This:* A Kindergartner Hit by a School Bus in Front of His Brother — What We Know and Why It Matters
On a Tuesday morning in Standish, Maine, a routine school bus pickup transformed into every parent’s worst nightmare: a **kindergartner was struck and killed by a school bus**, right in front of his half-brother. ([https://www.whsv.com][1])
The deadly incident has left a grieving community, shaken parents, and many questions unanswered. As investigations continue, this tragedy serves as a wake-up call: our children’s safety during school transportation *is not guaranteed*, and we must better understand what happened — and what can be done to prevent this from happening again.
This article explains **what we know so far, the emotional impact on families, how school bus safety is supposed to work, why such tragedies still occur, and what we can do to make every school run a safe one.**
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## What Happened? A Summary of the Incident
On the morning of **December 16, 2025**, in Standish, Maine, a 5-year-old kindergarten student named **Simon Gonzalez** tragically lost his life after being struck by a school bus. ([https://www.whsv.com][1])
According to officials, the bus was less than half a mile from **Edna Libby Elementary School** — part of the **Bonny Eagle School District** — when the crash occurred. Simon’s half-brother was aboard the bus at the time. ([https://www.wdbj7.com][2])
Authorities said the child was pronounced dead at the scene. The **Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office** and other investigators have been working to determine exactly what happened. ([https://www.wdbj7.com][2])
The bus driver — a 64-year-old woman — was placed on *administrative leave*, a standard procedure during such investigations. No charges have been filed at this stage, and the investigation remains ongoing. ([https://www.wbrc.com][3])
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## The Immediate Human Impact
Behind every news headline is a family facing unfathomable loss.
Simon’s family has spoken publicly about their grief. According to a separate report, they have **decided not to celebrate Christmas this year**, saying they *“couldn’t do it”* in light of their loss. ([https://www.wdbj7.com][4])
Simon’s grandfather reminded parents to cherish every moment with their children — a poignant message in the aftermath of the tragedy: *“Grab your children, hug them a little tighter... let them know you love them.”* ([https://www.wdbj7.com][4])
The emotional toll extends beyond just Simon’s immediate family:
* School staff and classmates have been deeply affected
* Students who witnessed or learned of the incident may need psychological support
* Teachers, bus drivers, and administrators are forced to revisit safety protocols
* The entire community grapples with grief and shock
Grief can take many forms — from disbelief and anger to deep sorrow that lasts long after the headlines fade.
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## How School Bus Safety Is Supposed to Work
School buses are often described as *one of the safest forms of transportation for children in the United States*. But safety depends heavily on strict procedures and vigilance.
### Key Safety Protocols Typically Include:
1. **Bus Driver Training:**
School bus drivers undergo specialized training on vehicle operation, student behavior management, and safety drills.
2. **Loading and Unloading Procedures:**
Students should only approach or leave a stopped bus when the driver signals it’s safe.
3. **Stop Arms and Flashing Lights:**
School buses are equipped with red flashing lights and a stop sign arm that extends when children are boarding or disembarking. Motorists are legally required to stop in both directions.
4. **Bus Route Planning:**
Routes are designed to minimize hazards and keep students from crossing dangerous roads when possible.
5. **Supervision and Training for Children:**
Schools often teach young students how to approach buses safely — but remembering that kindergartners are very young and still developing danger awareness is crucial.
However, even with these rules in place, the transition from sidewalk to bus can be risky — especially for very young children.
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## Why These Incidents Still Happen
According to a report by the **National School Bus Loading and Unloading Survey**, **an average of about 16 children per year are fatally injured as pedestrians in the loading and unloading zone around school buses** — making this one of the most hazardous moments of a child’s school day. ([FreightWaves][5])
As the NTSB study of this particular Maine case indicates, the danger isn’t rare. In Simon’s situation, preliminary findings suggest his arm became trapped in the closing doors, and he was subsequently dragged before being dislodged and struck by the bus. ([FreightWaves][5])
This type of tragedy happens when:
* Children move unpredictably near the bus
* Drivers begin moving while a child is still too close
* Visibility is limited
* Traffic or environmental conditions create additional hazards
Children aged 5 and below are particularly vulnerable because they may not fully understand risks, might misjudge the speed or motion of a vehicle, and may act suddenly.
Society tends to assume school buses are safe *without appreciating just how many variables are involved in keeping a child safe during a morning pickup.*
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## The Investigation: What Officials Are Looking At
The current investigation by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and other authorities focuses on:
* **Reconstructing the scene**
* **Reviewing bus camera footage** (if available)
* **Interviewing the bus driver and witnesses**
* **Examining whether bus safety procedures were followed**
* **Checking mechanical systems of the bus**
Investigators often take days or even weeks to piece together what happened, especially when it involves tragic outcomes. The presence of a child’s sibling on board emphasizes the emotional complexity of the situation for witnesses and responders.
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## Protocols After a Fatal School Bus Incident
When a fatality occurs involving a school bus, several protocols are typically followed:
1. **Administrative Leave:**
The driver is placed on leave during the review. ([https://www.wbrc.com][3])
2. **Independent Investigation:**
Law enforcement agencies may work with state transportation officials.
3. **Counseling and Support:**
Schools often offer psychological support for students and families.
4. **Safety Reviews:**
The district may examine whether route changes, driver training, or procedure adjustments are necessary.
5. **Public Communication:**
District officials typically issue statements to keep families informed.
These steps aim to ensure accountability, transparency, and improved future safety.
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## Broader Patterns: School Bus Safety Nationwide
Incidents like this, while relatively rare compared to the millions of safe bus trips every year, are not isolated.
For example, another tragic incident reported nationally involved a young child hit by a school bus while boarding — with the driver unaware at first that anything had happened. ([News 12 - Default][6])
This highlights a critical fact:
**Even experienced drivers and established systems can fail under certain circumstances**, especially when human behavior and unpredictable environments intersect.
In addition to tragedies like Simon’s, other school bus incidents have raised safety concerns, including collisions at railroad crossings, side impacts, and crashes involving motorists not stopping for buses — each teaching painful lessons about vigilance, regulation, and design. ([Wikipédia][7])
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## Safety Measures Parents and Communities Should Know
While broader system changes depend on policy and infrastructure, there are steps families and communities can take:
### Educate Children on Safe Bus Behavior
* Stand at a safe distance from the road while waiting
* Wait until the bus has completely stopped before approaching
* Look the driver in the eye before crossing in front of the bus
### Advocate for Local Safety Reviews
Parents can ask school boards:
* Are there crossing guards at busy stops?
* Are bus drivers trained on specific onboard safety issues?
* Are camera systems installed and monitored?
### Talk About “Danger Zones”
The areas immediately around a stopped bus — especially in front where drivers may not see children — are high-risk and deserve explicit teaching.
### Support First Responders and Peers
When an incident happens, the emotional toll affects more than just the affected family. Counselors, teachers, and other students may need support too.
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## The Emotional and Community Aftermath
Communities devastated by such tragedies often come together — but the grief is deep.
In Standish, Maine, neighbors, school staff, and families have expressed sorrow over Simon’s death. The message from his grandfather about hugging children tighter resonates widely, reflecting the raw emotional impact. ([https://www.wdbj7.com][4])
Parents everywhere can see themselves in this family’s pain — which is why tragedies like this stir such a powerful response.
Institutions also face examination:
* Are school districts communicating effectively?
* Are transportation policies based on the latest safety data?
* Are communities investing in infrastructure to protect their children?
These questions are now part of a larger dialogue that this tragedy has sparked.
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## Why This Matters Beyond One Community
This event is localized — but the implications are universal.
Children around the world rely on school transportation. Every parent, educator, and public official shares responsibility for their safety.
School buses are symbols of learning and childhood routines — not danger zones. But when tragedy strikes, we are forced to confront the reality: even everyday systems can fail unless they are continuously evaluated and improved.
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## Reflecting on the Loss
The story of Simon Gonzalez is heartbreaking. A life cut short. A sibling traumatized by witnessing an unthinkable moment. A community left to pick up pieces.
But there is meaning in how we respond:
* **Listening to families**
* **Understanding risk factors**
* **Reevaluating safety procedures**
* **Advocating for infrastructure improvements**
Every tragedy teaches something — even if that lesson is simply that we must care more, act more, and *do better*.
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## Final Thoughts
There is no easy way to talk about a child’s death, especially one occurring in what should be a safe space. Yet it is vital that we do — not just as observers, but as members of a society responsible for protecting its youngest members.
The loss of a child like Simon is a stark reminder that safety protocols cannot be taken for granted, that vigilance must be constant, and that communication between families, schools, and transport systems must always be prioritized.
As the investigation continues, as grief carries on, and as communities mourn, the broader conversation around school bus safety must not fade.
Because ensuring that every child returns home safely — every day — should be a commitment we all share.
