16-year-old NC student hit by school bus, serious injuries

JACKSONVILLE, NC (WCTI) — A 16-year-old Jacksonville High School student hit by a school bus this morning is in the hospital with serious injuries.

Jacksonville Police responded to a crash in which a pedestrian was struck by a school bus at 6:37 a.m. Friday. The crash occurred at the 1800 block of Gum Branch Road in the vicinity of Fire Station 2, near Jacksonville High School.

The pedestrian, a 16-year-old boy, was transported to US Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune with serious injuries, a representative of Jacksonville Department of Public Safety said. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, officials are not releasing his name at this time.

A crisis team is at Jacksonville High School to support students and staff in the wake of the crash. Onslow County Schools sends their thoughts and prayers to the student and family, a representative said.

Residents who live across the street from the school report hearing a loud screeching noise early in the morning, followed shortly by sirens. Many describe the intersection where the incident occurred as “dangerous.” with one woman saying she often sees drivers ignoring the red light by driving through it.

The crash is under investigation.