Girl traumatized after being dragged by bus

SHERWOOD, Ore. – A 5-year-old girl got caught in the doors of a school bus last Thursday and was dragged alongside it, but her father said the driver never got off the bus to check to see if she was OK.

The girl’s father, Carlos, who declined to have his family’s last name publicized, said his daughter hurt her back but didn’t receive life-threatening injuries. She is a kindergartner at Hopkins Elementary.

The Sherwood School District apologized, fired the bus driver and paid for the girl’s doctor bills and counseling. Its superintendent said the district is doing everything it can to regain the family’s trust.

“This situation is not defensible, and we have taken very appropriate action,” said Dan Jamison.

A surveillance camera on a nearby business where Carlos works and near where the family lives captured the incident.

It showed the girl’s backpack caught in the bus’ doors and still attached to her back as the bus dragged her for about 30 feet. The girl’s older sister witnessed the event and can be seen running to help her sister after the bus stopped.

Carlos said the bus driver didn’t stop until another child from inside ran up to the driver crying and saying her friend was being dragged outside. Even then Carlos said the driver failed to get off the bus and check on his little girl.
 
Carlos said the experience will haunt his daughter for the rest of her life and now she no longer wants to ride the bus.

He said he is considering a lawsuit.