Police have charged the driver of a car which struck and killed a 12-year-old Sydney Technical High School student as he walked to school at Hurstville.
The 36-year-old driver of the Corolla was arrested at the scene on Forest Road outside Hurstville Public School about 8.40am.
Police have been told that the car allegedly failed to stop at a red light, hitting the boy as he was crossing the intersection of Lily Street and Forest Road.
The boy was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Sydney Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The driver was taken to hospital by officers from St George Police Area Command for mandatory testing. He was then taken to St George Police Station and charged with manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death, drive whilst disqualified and other traffic offences.
He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, September 7.
Kogarah MP Chris Minns has also posted a message from Sydney Technical High School, on his Facebook page, to members of the school community.
"Today our school suffered the tragic loss of a Year 7 student...The school is working closely with [the victim's] family. Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time. Students and staff have been provided with counselling to support them and also have contact numbers so that they can access help over the weekend or later if needed. Please be assured there is ongoing additional support in place at school for the boys. Please don't hesitate to contact your son's Year Adviser if you have any concerns regarding your child's well-being. Together as a community we will support each other through this tragedy."
EARLIER
A boy has been hit and killed by a car that crashed into the fence of Hurstville Public School on Friday morning.
At about 8.40am, emergency services were called to Forest Road following reports a single-vehicle crashed, causing it to roll onto the child - a student of the nearby Sydney Technical High School on Forest Road.
The 12-year-old boy was trapped under the vehicle. He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Sydney Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The driver of the vehicle, a 36-year-old man, was arrested at the scene by officers from St George Police Area Command and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
A crime scene has been established and will be examined by officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit.
St George Police Chief Inspector Craig James says the incident is a tragic set of circumstances.
"Despite the best efforts of both concerned school citizens, parents and an off duty paramedic, his life couldn't be saved," he said.
"This was at school drop-off. There were a number of kids being dropped off by their mums and dads, a number of teachers who ran out, and the general public who were in the area at the time. This is absolutely awful.
"I know the Department of Education is working tirelessly to ensure welfare services for not only the students and teachers but also the parents.
"It is now subject to investigation as to what has occurred. The boy was walking across the road and was struck. The nature of what has occurred in terms of the driver is still being investigated. We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."
The Department of Education released a statement stating that Sydney Technical High School and public education community were deeply saddened by the death of one of its students, a former Hurstville Public School pupil.
"The student was a much loved member of each school community," a spokesman said. "The school community's thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student's family and friends at this most distressing time.
"The Department, Sydney Technical High School and Hurstville Public School are working closely with all their students and staff to support them at this most difficult time. There is and will be ongoing extensive support in place for those impacted by this tragic event."
Hurstville Public School P&C president Jason Yeo was shocked to hear of the incident.
"I have a year 5 child at Hurstville Public....it's gut wrenching," he said. "Our heart goes out first and foremost to the family. We're here to support the school community, staff, parents and children. We just ask that everyone remains calm and makes sure they follow staff instructions and keep pedestrian and road safety front of mind. Road safety [in the area] has been a focus for the P&C for many years and will continue to be so."
In 2017, Georges River Council announced it would introduce an annual School Zone Safety Program for all primary schools located in the local government area, and high schools by request. At that time, an independent traffic study of conditions surrounding Hurstville schools raised many alarming road safety concerns for school children.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue, anyone with dashcam footage is urged to contact Kogarah Police Station on 8566 7499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
There are also road closures and traffic diversions. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Oatley MP Mark Coure has also posted his condolences on Facebook.
"I am deeply saddened by the news at Hurstville Public School," Mr Coure posted. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the boy and the entire school community. This is a timely reminder to always exercise utmost caution when driving near schools."
