Home / Disasters and Accidents / School Bus Stop Tragedy: Girl, 13, Dies After Collision
School Bus Stop Tragedy: Girl, 13, Dies After Collision
4 Nov
Summary
- A 13-year-old girl died from a traumatic brain injury after a collision.
- The incident occurred as she alighted from a school bus on County Fermanagh.
- Her father shared her memory, saying no other family should suffer such loss.
An inquest into the death of 13-year-old Caitlin Hogg found she died on December 8, 2022, from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a collision two days earlier. The incident occurred on December 6, 2022, on Moher Road, Kinawley, County Fermanagh, as Caitlin alighted from a school bus.
Coroner Joe McCrisken detailed that Caitlin was returning home when the school bus stopped across the road from her house. Conditions were dry, but light was diminishing. As she crossed the road, she was struck by an oncoming car. Witnesses provided immediate assistance, and CPR was administered until emergency services arrived.
Caitlin was transported to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children with catastrophic head injuries. Evidence suggested the car was traveling at 45 mph or less, with no indication of excess speed. The school bus's amber warning lights were active, signaling children were boarding or alighting.
The coroner noted the schoolgirl was visible for a very short period, estimated between 1.2 to 2.7 seconds, which was insufficient for the driver to react and avoid impact, despite veering towards the road verge. Caitlin may not have perceived the risk due to the bus's presence, movement, and engine noise.
Caitlin's father, Bob Hogg, described her as a beautiful, sociable, and bubbly child who loved her community and GAA club. He expressed profound heartache, stating her death left an unfillable void and pleaded that no other family endure such loss. The coroner acknowledged the family's advocacy for pedestrian and child safety.
