BATH BEACH BROOKLYN, a school bus driver has been arrested following a hit-and-run crash that killed an 11-year-old girl Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Authorities identified the victim as Amira Aminova, an 11-year-old Brooklyn girl who was fatally struck at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Bath Avenue in Bath Beach.
Police said the driver, Wawa Aurelus, 62, of East Flatbush, was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m., around the time investigators say the child was hit. Officials stated the collision caused severe trauma to the girl’s head and body.
Emergency medical services transported Aminova to Maimonides Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police said the school bus driver fled the scene following the crash but was arrested a short time later. Upon his arrest, Aurelus was charged with misdemeanor failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, according to reports.
Investigators said Aminova was less than 200 feet from her home when she was struck. First responders rushed her to the hospital, but she could not be saved.
The crash occurred just after school dismissal, a time when the area experiences heavy foot traffic from students and families. Video reviewed by investigators reportedly shows the girl standing at the corner with the right of way before darting into the crosswalk as the school bus made a turn.
A resident told Eyewitness News that the girl appeared to sprint across the street as the bus approached, adding that visibility can be limited from a bus due to its height and structure.
Police said as the driver made the turn, glare from the sun may have affected visibility. Aurelus was issued a desk appearance ticket and is expected to appear in court on February 24.
The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.
