A bus monitor in New Jersey is facing charges of manslaughter following the tragic death of a 6-year-old girl with special needs after a bus ride to school.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s office, led by John P. McDonald, revealed that the Franklin Township Police Department responded to a distress call about an unresponsive child around 9 a.m. on Monday.
Upon arrival, officers immediately initiated CPR on the young girl until medical responders arrived and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was sadly pronounced dead.
An investigation conducted by detectives from the department and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit revealed that the 6-year-old, who had special needs, was part of an extended school year program at a local school.
The girl, who used a wheelchair, was transported from her home to the school on July 17 via a bus.
During the bus ride, the bus monitor, identified as 27-year-old Amanda Davila, secured the child and her wheelchair at the back of the bus.
Tragically, the prosecutor’s office disclosed that the child slumped over in her chair due to bumps in the road, causing the harness securing her to tighten around her neck, obstructing her airway.
Investigations revealed that Davila was seated at the front of the bus, wearing earbuds in both ears and using a mobile phone, which violated established policies and procedures.
Following the investigation, Davila was arrested on Wednesday by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
She now faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and has been detained at the Somerset County Jail pending a hearing.
Individuals with any information regarding the incident are urged to reach out to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police at 732-873-5533.
Alternatively, information can be shared through the county Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
New Jersey 6-Year-Old Dies After Bus Ride to School, Bus Monitor Charged with Manslaughter
Tragedy Strikes
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 6-year-old child from New Jersey has tragically passed away after a school bus ride. The incident has shaken the local community and raised questions about the safety measures in place for students during their daily commutes to school.
The young child, whose name has not been released to the public, was found unresponsive on the school bus by the bus driver at the end of the route. Emergency services were immediately called, but sadly, the child could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bus Monitor Charged
Following an investigation into the incident, the bus monitor responsible for the child’s safety on the bus has been charged with manslaughter. The details surrounding the circumstances of the child’s death have not been disclosed, but it is clear that there was a lapse in supervision that led to this tragic outcome.
The community is reeling from the loss of such a young life and is grappling with the implications of this incident. Parents are understandably concerned about the safety of their own children while they are in the care of school transportation services.
Importance of School Bus Safety
School buses are supposed to be a safe mode of transportation for children to get to and from school. However, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder that proper supervision and protocols must be in place to ensure the well-being of students.
Bus monitors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of students during their bus rides. They are responsible for maintaining order, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies that may arise during the journey. The tragic events in New Jersey highlight the importance of proper training and oversight for bus monitors to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Lessons Learned
In the wake of this tragedy, it is essential for school districts and transportation services to reevaluate their safety protocols and procedures. Some key lessons that can be learned from this incident include:
1. Adequate training: Bus monitors should receive comprehensive training on emergency response protocols, child supervision, and conflict resolution techniques.
2. Supervision: There should be clear guidelines on the number of bus monitors required for each bus route based on the number of students and their ages.
3. Communication: Bus drivers and monitors should have open lines of communication to address any safety concerns or issues that may arise during the bus ride.
Conclusion
The loss of the 6-year-old child in New Jersey is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of school bus safety. It serves as a wake-up call for school districts and transportation services to prioritize the well-being of students and ensure that incidents like this are not repeated in the future. By implementing proper training, supervision, and communication strategies, we can work towards creating a safer environment for all children during their daily commutes to school.
