Child killed after being struck by school bus in Hyde Park, police say

A child was struck and killed by a school bus in Hyde Park Monday afternoon, according to Boston police.

Police received a call at about 2:42 p.m. that a child was hit near 107 Washington St., Police Commissioner Michael Cox said during a press conference at the scene Monday.

The child was transported to a local hospital where he were pronounced dead, Cox said.

Boston police on Tuesday identified the victim as 5-year-old Lens A. Joseph.

An investigation into the accident is ongoing, according to the commissioner, and the bus driver has been cooperating with authorities. Cox asked people who may have witnessed the incident to call the Boston police homicide unit or use the anonymous tip line.

Cox said Joseph lives in the neighborhood, but did not say whether the child had just gotten off the bus.

Cox said there were other children on the bus when the incident occurred and they were taken to area hospitals for evaluation.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she is “completely heartbroken” for the child's family.

“No parent expects that they could send their child off to school and have something horrible happen,” Wu said.

She thanked the emergency services who responded and neighbors in the community who offered aid.

“I hope all of us just hug our kids a little tighter tonight and continue to send our prayers and deepest condolences to the family members and all the loved ones of this child that has been lost,” said Wu.

Superintendent of Boston Public Schools Mary Skipper echoed Wu's sentiments in a statement, calling the death a "heartbreaking loss."

"We extend our deepest condolences to our student’s family, school community, and all those affected by this tragedy," Skipper said. "Our focus remains on supporting them and our school community. Our team is offering support services for any students, staff, and families."

This story has been updated to include the child's name.