Actions of caregiver and HSR driver didn't contribute to death of 7-year-old hit by bus, police say

Hamilton police say the actions of a city bus driver and a child caregiver didn't contribute to the death of a seven-year-old who was hit and killed by a bus on Thursday.

The boy was hit by an HSR bus near the intersection of Emerald Street North and Wilson Street at around 1:12 p.m., according to police.

Police said based on witness statements and gathered video, "investigators do not believe that the actions of the bus driver or the child’s caregiver contributed to this tragic incident."

There were 10 to 15 passengers on the bus at the time of the incident, according to Hamilton police Const. Trevor McKenna, adding the investigation is still ongoing.

When asked by CBC if the child had been on the bus, McKenna said only that the child was "firmly off the bus" at the time of the incident.

Wilson Street was closed on Thursday from Tisdale Street North to East Avenue North but has since reopened.

This is a driver's 'worst fear,' says union

Ward 3 councillor Nrinder Nann said in a social media post she was "absolutely devastated," to hear about the incident.

"I am at a loss for words and truly just thinking about the child, their family, loved ones and all those involved," she said.

Eric Tuck, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 offered his condolences to the family.

"This tragedy is unbearable, and our hearts are with the loved ones who are facing an unimaginable loss," he said in the statement.

Tuck also said he recognized the "profound impact" on the driver involved, who is "devastated" by what happened.

"This is every transit operator’s worst fear," he said in the statement.