Craigieburn boy hit by bus warns children to be careful on roads

A ten-year-old boy who miraculously survived after he was hit by a bus last year has issued a safety appeal to children returning to school this week.

Charlee Jones, 10, will bear lifelong scars from his near-fatal accident in October. Picture Andrew Tauber

A Craigieburn boy who miraculously survived being hit by a bus last year has has issued a safety appeal to children returning to school this week.

Mt Ridley College student Charlee Jones fractured his leg in two places, and shredded his calf muscle, after he tripped and fell under an oncoming bus at the corner of Grand and Newbury boulevards in Craigieburn on October 31.

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With schools reopening from this week, Charlee has an important message for other children: “Walk on the path and don’t chase after buses”.

Charlee’s own accident happened after he got off off the school bus and ran towards a pedestrian crossing.

It is believed he tripped on the edge of a footpath and into the path of the bus.

After spending four weeks in hospital recovering from extensive surgeries, which included a skin graft, the 10-year-old can now walk and jog, but is expected to suffer lifelong pain.

“I feel very lucky to be alive and to be able to walk again,” he said.

“My injuries were pretty bad and I was in a lot of shock. I want to thank everybody who helped me.”

Charlee Jones was rushed to hospital following the “freak accident” in Craigieburn.

Charlee’s mother, Taylah, said she had been overwhelmed by the support of the local community.

“Even today, people still stop me and ask about how Charlee is going,” she said.

“We think it’s great that kids are walking home from school and catching public transport but they must stay on the footpath at all times.”

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Fawkner Highway Patrol Sergeant Andy Heckmann said police would be enforcing 40km/h and 60km/h speed limits from January 31.

“Exceeding the reduced speed limits attracts a hefty fine and police will not tolerate any excuses,” he said. “Children can be unpredictable and drivers need to be aware of this.”

Nine people have already lost their lives on roads in the state so far this year, according to the latest statistics from Victoria Police.

Sgt Heckmann urged parents to lead by example and use the school crossings and park appropriately in the areas around school.

“Children are among our most vulnerable road users, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them when around schools,” he said.

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