13-year-old boy dies near high school after being hit by bus

A teenage boy has died after being hit by a bus as he crossed the road near his high school at pick-up time.

A pedestrian has been struck by a bus near Balaklava High School. Picture: JASON KATSARAS

A South Australian high school community is grieving after a 13-year-old student was killed in a bus accident right outside the school.

The young teen died on Tuesday after he was hit by the vehicle on the corner of Wallace Street and May Terrace in Balaklava, which is an intersection next to the Balaklava High School.

Emergency services responded to the incident at about 3.20pm, around the same time as the school pick up.

Sadly, the boy died at the scene.

The intersection was shut for several hours.

Major Crash are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A pedestrian had been struck by a bus near Balaklava High School. Picture: Ella Duffy/Nine News

SA Police Senior Constable Mick Abbott told ABC Radio the boy was crossing the road when he was hit.

“The 13-year-old boy was running along Wallace Street. The bus was heading in the same direction and the bus turned onto May Terrace as the boy was crossing the road and unfortunately hit the boy,” he said on Wednesday.

“As you could imagine it would be shocking and upsetting to the boy’s friends and other students from the school.”

Flowers have been laid for the young boy at his school.

Flowers at Balaklava High School after a 13yo boy was killed after being hit by a bus. @10NewsFirstAdl pic.twitter.com/PB5zjnUfC6

— Cam Inglis (@inglis_cam) February 16, 2021

Gawler Education Director Neil White said the Balaklava High School was “deeply saddened” and “shocked” by the tragic death.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of those involved,” he said.

“Professional counselling and support services will be available for students and staff in the coming days and weeks.

“We respectfully ask for privacy for our school community during this difficult time.”

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 3.20pm after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a bus. Picture: 7 NEWS

Link SA, which operates the bus involved in the incident, said it was assisting SA Police and emergency services with investigations.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the school student who lost their life,” Link SA said in a statement.

“We are providing our support to the driver and those involved in the incident, to ensure their welfare following this tragic event.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our passengers, employees and the wider community.”

The boy’s death brings the state’s road toll to 12, which is the same amount at this time last year.