8-Year-Old Girl Killed, Nine Others Hurt When Car Jumps Curb During School Dismissal: Police

An 8-year-old girl was killed and nine other people were injured, at least three of them seriously, when a car jumped a curb outside a Bronx school during dismissal and hit them as they walked on the sidewalk Friday afternoon, authorities said.

A 55-year-old driver was trying to move in reverse in front of P.S. 307 near Claflin Avenue and Eames Place in Kingsbridge Heights at around 2:45 p.m., police said. She drove over the curb and hit the pedestrians, according to officials. Among those hit were at least two students, one staff member and three parents, officials said.

"As the lady's backing up to get parking, she's backing up, she came really fast and the little girl, she killed her right there," said witness Sonia Rodriguez. 

Surveillance video shows the car shooting backward at what appears to be a high rate of speed. 

The driver stayed at the scene. 

Erskine Caldwell watched as rescuers tried to save the 8-year-old girl, one of the students who was hit. 

"The little girl, everybody was focused on her," he said. "She was going in and out... it was really heartbreaking." 

The accident happened right after school dismissal. Children watching nearby were taken into the library so they didn't have to see what happened next, according to witnesses. 

All of the victims were taken to the hospital, where the child died. Of those injured, at least three had serious injuries but were expected to survive.

All nine were listed in stable condition at the hospital Friday afternoon.

In a statement, schools chancellor Carmen Farina said: "Today we mourn the loss of a young student. My heart breaks for this child’s family and the entire school community. I am closely monitoring this situation and we are working with the NYPD to investigate this tragedy."

She said guidance counselors will be on site to support students, parents and school staff.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. 

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