7-year-old boy dies after being hit by Hamilton bus, police say

A seven-year-old boy is dead after being struck by a city bus, Hamilton police said Thursday.

Just before 2 p.m. ET, police said on X that the area where the boy was hit was around Emerald Street North and Wilson Street.

Police told CBC Hamilton that it occurred at 1:12 p.m.

Paramedic commander Dave Thompson said the boy was taken to hospital without vital signs. He was later pronounced dead.

Hamilton police Const. Trevor McKenna told CBC News that the HSR driver was on scene and co-operating with the investigation.

McKenna said there were several passengers on the bus and witnesses in the area at the time of the incident.

"At this time, I can't tell you what caused the crash," he said, adding the Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating.

'I feel terrible for the parents,' neighbour says

Jasmine Ashley, who lives in the area, said it was "horrible" to hear what happened "just down the street."

"I feel terrible for the parents," she said. "I really hope there's some kind of repercussions for whoever was driving."

She said there's no easy way to cross the street in the area where the incident happened.

"It's definitely a dangerous spot on a main street here on Wilson," she said.

"I really hope that there's a crosswalk put there and that there's more done about it from the city."

Ashley also said there's limited visibility when going through the intersection on Emerald Street North.

Joe Silva, who's lived in the area for 25 years, said he's seen "many accidents" at the intersection.

"It's incredible," he said.

"One time I go to the city hall and I decide and I ask them to do something about it, put the stoplights here or something before somebody [gets] killed, because it's very sad the way things [are] going. Nobody did nothing ... a child lose a life for that? That's not right."

There have been several fatal traffic incidents in Hamilton in recent weeks, including when a crossing guard was hit and killed by a dump truck on Nov. 13.

Construction had been ongoing in the area

At around 3 p.m. on Thursday, roads were closed around the intersection and city bus No. 1521 was parked near the corner.

Construction had been underway for several months in the area. Work to install new waterways and sewers, reconstructing the road and more was set to start in March.

The work also includes "adding a pedestrian crossing at Emerald Street North," according to the city's website. There currently isn't a crossing at the intersection.

The stage of the construction was unclear at the time of the incident.

Marnie Cluckie, manager with the City of Hamilton, said it can't comment on the specific circumstances of the incident due to the police investigation.

"This is an extremely unfortunate tragedy and our hearts and thoughts are with the family and all those affected by this loss," Cluckie told CBC Hamilton in a statement.

In a social media post, Mayor Andrea Horwath thanked first responders and said her heart goes out to the family.

"The loss of a child is unimaginable, and all of Hamilton is grieving with them," she said.

Wilson Street from Tisdale Street North to East Avenue North will remain closed for several hours, according to police.

Police ask that people stay out of the area.