Patrol cars in front of Chattanooga Valley Elementary School
Press conference
School Supt. Damon Raines
A six-year-old boy was struck and killed by a school bus at Chattanooga Valley Elementary School on Monday morning.
Authorities said the kindergarten student had just gotten off the bus when it moved forward and struck him.
Walker County Coroner Dewayne Wilson said he was killed immediately in the 7 a.m. incident.
Sheriff Steve Wilson conducted a press conference across from the school at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church on Monday morning. He said the parents of the student were inside the church receiving counseling.
A number of counselors were sent to the school to deal with students and faculty.
Sgt. Tommy Sturdivan of the Georgia Patrol's SCRT Team said there was a preliminary interview with the bus driver. He said there may be a follow-up interview.
He said it would be up to the district attorney's office on whether charges should be filed.
Sgt. Sturdivan said he had obtained video from the bus and from the school, but had not yet viewed them.
He said the school bus will undergo a DOT inspection.
Sheriff Wilson asked the pastor of the church, Dan Gilchrist, to open the press conference with prayer.
The sheriff said, "This morning just after 7 o'clock I got a phone call that no law enforcement officer ever wants to get."
A nearby resident said officers and emergency workers who dealt with the tragedy appeared to be in shock.