TEXAS CITY, Texas – A sixth-grade girl waiting for her school bus just feet from her home was hit and killed by a big rig on Monday, according to Texas City police.
Christina Lopez, 11, was by herself waiting in the 2900 block of 26th Street North for the bus that was suppose to take her to Levi Fry Intermediate School when a big rig, without its trailer, made a wide turn onto the narrow road where investigators said she may've been partially sitting. There are no sidewalks along the road, officials said.
Lopez died at the scene.
"This was an accident," Texas City Independent School District Director of Communications Melissa Tortorici said. "(It's) a tragic accident and we are devastated."
The man driving the truck also happened to be Lopez's neighbor, according to police.
"The sun was bright this morning," Texas City police spokesman Capt. Brian Goetschius said. "(It was) driver inattention or error in judgment thinking he could turn that corner safely."
Police said that the driver voluntarily submitted to a blood test and a decision about any charges he may face, are pending the results and the completion of its investigation.
School officials have sent a letter to parents explaining what happened as well as making extra grief counselors available for students.