Truck driver arrested after fatally striking children exiting school bus

Police in Mississippi have arrested and charged a truck driver following a pedestrian strike that left one child dead and another injured.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 9 on Highway 8 in Vardaman, Mississippi.

According to Vardaman Police Chief Kenneth Scott, two children who were getting off the bus were struck by a truck hauling a load of lumber driven by James Thomas Murphy, 70.

Police say that the children were hit when Murphy swerved to avoid a truck that was previously stopped for the school bus.

One child was pronounced dead at the scene. The other child was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Following the crash, Murphy was arrested and charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault. His bond has not yet been set.

The incident remains under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The Calhoun County School District released a statement on the fatal incident: “We understand the emotional impact this can have on all parties involved. Vardaman is an extremely close-knit community, and we know they will come together to support and comfort one another through this terrible tragedy.”