A schoolgirl died tragically after getting hit by a double-decker while chasing another bus with her friend.
15-year-old Sophie Jain Fletcher was in Sheldon, Birmingham, when she and her friend ran across the street after a bus only for the young girl to get struck by another vehicle in the process.
Investigation into the incident has since revealed that the collision could not be avoided by the driver of the double-decker because the girl ran right in front of the moving vehicle.
While Sophie was immediately rushed to the hospital after the incident, she succumbed to her head injuries almost instantly.
“Both girls got off the bus and ran down the side of the bus on the footpath and continued running behind the bus into the carriageway,” PC Gail Arnold of West Midlands Police said.
“She ran out in the road from behind the bus and nothing could be done to avoid the accident.”
Coroner Ian Dreelan added: “Sophie and her friend had left a bus and ran behind the back of the bus. Her friend stopped but Sophie continued to run. She was struck by an oncoming double decker bus.
“It is clear from video footage that the bus driver was simply unable to react in time. The distance was simply too short. She suffered injuries which caused her to die at scene. Death was caused by a severe head trauma.”
Following the tragic and fatal accident, Sophie’s heartbroken parents spoke out to pay their daughter a tribute.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that on Saturday 18th March 2023, our precious daughter Sophie Jain Fletcher was taken from us,” they said.
“She was a beautiful young girl with an amazing personality and presence to match. She will be so greatly missed by all her family, friends whether in or outside of school. Mommy will always hold your hand and you will always be daddy’s little princess.”
Our thoughts remain with Sophie’s loved ones during this challenging time.