On the morning of September 25, 2025, a child was struck by a vehicle while attempting to board a school bus in Harley Township, Ontario. The incident occurred shortly before 7:50 AM on Highway 569, raising serious concerns about road safety, particularly around school zones.

According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) from the Temiskaming Detachment, the child was crossing the roadway when the vehicle, described as a dark-coloured sedan, approached the bus that had its stop-arm extended and lights flashing. Tragically, the driver of the vehicle did not stop and fled the scene following the collision, leaving the child with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The child was promptly transported to the hospital for treatment.

The OPP is calling on the community for assistance in this investigation. Authorities are looking for the driver responsible for this alarming incident and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the event or has dash camera footage to come forward. The lack of respect for established road safety laws, particularly those protecting our children, is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

In Ontario, it is illegal to pass a school bus with its lights flashing, as this law is designed to protect young children who are boarding or disembarking from the bus. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws for the safety of our youth.

As this investigation unfolds, the OPP urges all drivers to remain cautious and vigilant, particularly in areas with school buses. It is not merely a legal obligation but a moral responsibility to ensure the safety of children on the road.

As Canadian parents prepare to send their children back to school this fall, incidents such as this serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on our roads. The OPP’s efforts to hold the driver accountable reflect a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the OPP work diligently to locate the driver and vehicle involved. The safety of our children depends on everyone doing their part to follow the rules of the road.