School bus driver suspended after dropping off 5-year-old who was later hit by a car

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WORCESTER - The school bus driver who dropped off a 5-year-old without a parent present on Tuesday has been suspended. The boy was struck by a car after getting off the bus and suffered leg and head injuries.

Ron Ernenwine, owner of AA Transportation based in Shrewsbury, confirmed Wednesday the driver, whose identity has not been released, has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the crash that occurred Tuesday afternoon.

After he was dropped off by the bus, the Abbey Kelley Charter School student was struck by a car as he tried to cross Hamilton Street. The boy was taken to the hospital with a broken leg and minor head trauma after he was thrown 24-feet by the impact, police said.

AnnMarie Little, the director of special education at Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, said the child is now home recovering.

Little said the charter school has used AA Transportation for at least the past five years.

The school's policy is not to allow students off the bus if a parent is not there, she said. The driver is required to return to school with the student.

Ernenwine said his company is still working with school and law enforcement officials to determine exactly what happened.

"After all that is complete, we'll make a determination," Ernenwine said.

Police said the preliminary investigation shows the boy ran out into the street between two parked cars when the Chevrolet, driven by a 35-year-old, struck him. Police said data from the car showed the driver was traveling below the speed limit. No charges have been filed, police noted.

When police spoke with the child's mother, she said there was confusion today and that usually the boy is accompanied by his older sister.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.

MassLive reporter Scott Croteau contributed to this report.

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