Child killed after being struck by city bus in downtown Hamilton

Hamilton police say they are investigating after a seven-year-old boy was struck and killed by a city bus downtown.

In a post on X shortly before 2 p.m., officers say the collision happened near Emerald Street North and Wilson Street.

Authorities say the boy was struck by a slow-moving bus after exiting with his mother at a bus stop on the corner of the intersection.

“It all happened really fast. The HSR bus did remain on scene. The pedestrian was a seven-year-old child who was transported to hospital and has sadly been pronounced,” said Const. Trevor McKenna with the Hamilton police.

Officers say the bus driver stayed on scene and was cooperative.

Witnesses in the area say the roads have been undergoing construction and can be unsafe for pedestrians.

“I do see children walking around, there are schools nearby, there are families around this area. I know in that area that it happened there isn’t really a very good way to cross the street, so maybe there needs to be a crosswalk person there,” said a woman who lives in the area.

“It’s very hard to see around the construction and the cars coming back and forth,” said another woman.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath released a statement saying in-part, “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. The loss of a child is unimaginable and all of Hamilton is grieving with them.”

“Our hearts are with the victim’s family right now, the driver’s family. And we’re just asking anybody who knows anything about this to please come forward and assist with the investigation,” said Const. Trevor McKenna.

There’s no word yet on the cause of the collision or whether any charges will be laid.

Authorities are advising members of the public to avoid the area as police investigate.

This investigation is ongoing. More to come.

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