FRANKFORT, Ill. () — A Frankfort family and the local school community are grieving after a 6-year-old student died following a Tuesday afternoon crash involving a school bus, authorities said.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the child as Jenna Menias.
According to Frankfort police, the collision occurred Tuesday afternoon in the 500-block of Aberdeen Road. When officers arrived, they found the girl unresponsive and suffering from serious injuries.
Investigators said witnesses and emergency responders began CPR right away before the child was taken to a hospital. She was later pronounced dead.
Police said the crash involved a school bus and a juvenile pedestrian. Several students were on the bus at the time, but no other injuries were reported.
In a message sent to families and staff, Frankfort School District 157-C said, “One of our Frankfort 157-C students was involved in an accident involving a school bus. Frankfort Police Department was quickly on scene, and the student was transported to receive medical care.”
The district also said, “Students on the bus were evaluated by emergency responders at the scene and were safely reunited with their families.”
District officials said their immediate focus remains “the health, safety, and emotional well-being of the student involved, their family, and all our students and staff.”
The district also acknowledged the impact the tragedy has had on students, staff, and families.
“We know that an event of this nature deeply affects our entire school family,” the district wrote. “We encourage students who may be feeling worried or upset to reach out to a trusted adult, teacher, social worker, or other member of our school support team.”
Neighborhood streets remained blocked for hours as police, firefighters and EMS personnel worked at the scene and investigators gathered evidence.
Police have not said what led up to the collision, and no charges have been announced.
The district said it is working with Lincoln Way Transportation, the Frankfort Police Department and the Will County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
In a statement, Frankfort police called the incident a tragedy that “has had a profound impact on those involved, their families, and our community.”
The department added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, their family, loved ones, and all those impacted as they navigate this difficult time.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
