Coroner identifies IUPUI student hit, killed by bus on campus
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An investigation is underway after a deadly crash involving a student and a school bus on the campus of IUPUI.
It happened at the intersection of University Boulevard and New York Street around 1:30 p.m. Monday.
An 18-year-old IUPUI student died after being struck by a school bus under contract with Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana University said.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office has identified that student killed as 18-year-old Fatima Hassuneh. The cause of death has been determined to be the result of multiple blunt force injuries.
Indiana University Police responded to a report of a pedestrian-bus accident at the intersection of University Boulevard and New York Street on the Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis campus, said a release from Amber Denney, assistant director of strategic communications with IU Communications.
“Preliminary investigation determined that the pedestrian, a female IUPUI student, was crossing New York Street with the right-of-way, when she was struck by a school bus attempting to make a left-hand turn from University Boulevard onto New York Street,” the release said.
Hassuneh was taken to Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hospital and died as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident, the release said.
Investigators believe the Hassuneh had just left class and was crossing the street with the right of way when she was hit by a school bus.
Some students on the campus of IUPUI are left with heavy hearts after learning about what happened at the intersection of University Boulevard and New York Street.
“It’s heartbreaking, I mean personally didn’t know the student, but for any of her friends and her family, it’s tragic,” said Justin Powell, who is a freshman.
Powell is studying broadcast journalism and said there’s always a lot of traffic with students and cars.
“It’s just heartbreaking; you never want to see anything like that,” he said. “I’m going to make sure that I put them in my prayers tonight.”
The investigation began when university police said someone alerted an officer to the crash.
“An officer was flagged down, someone reporting a pedestrian struck by a bus,” said Bill Abston, who is the deputy chief with IUPUI Police Department.
“Once the officer realized the seriousness of the accident, we secured the scene,” said Abston. “Traffic control contacted IMPD to seek their assistance, and an accident investigator did respond.”
24-Hour News 8 learned the school bus is owned, operated, and driven by Durham Transportation, and the bus was under contract to Indianapolis Public Schools.
Durham Social Services said the driver won’t be driving pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The bus driver is currently in an employed status with us and is going through the investigation and is cooperating with us fully in what’s going on,” said Charles Brown, who is the general manager of Durham Social Services.
IMPD is handling the investigation, and once they are done, will present the case to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department accident investigators and Indiana State Police are involved in the investigation.
Indianapolis Public Schools released the following statement on Monday night:
Today’s incident was tragic and we extend our deepest sympathies to the pedestrian and her family. Safety has always been at the top of our district’s priorities. We are deeply concerned and aware of the impact such an incident may have on anyone who was a witness. We are cooperating with IUPUI, Durham Transportation Services and IMPD on this matter.”