In what could have been a tragic event, a young girl in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, narrowly escaped being hit by a school bus during her afternoon drop-off. The incident, captured on a family’s security camera, unfolded when 5-year-old June Birch was stepping off the bus near the intersection of Bartlett Drive and Duchess Drive.
As June moved in front of the bus to cross the road, the vehicle unexpectedly began to pull forward. The quick reactions of both June and her mother, Olivia Birch, who was seen on video frantically waving her arms and shouting, managed to avert a disaster. June’s father, Anthony Birch, also rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion, confronting the bus driver, who was reportedly a substitute.
The gravity of the situation was not lost on the family. “By the grace of God, our little girl reacted so quickly,” Olivia Birch stated, emphasizing the terrifying moment that “almost ended tragically for us.”
The incident has sparked a significant conversation about school bus safety, with the Oconomowoc Area School District and the transportation company, Go Riteway, taking immediate action. The district confirmed they have been collaborating with the family and the bus company since the incident, ensuring that the driver receives additional safety training before resuming duties.
This near-miss incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities involved in the daily transportation of children. The community has rallied around the Birch family, advocating for stricter safety measures and training for bus operators to prevent such incidents from happening again. As the district reviews and potentially enhances its safety protocols, this event underscores the critical need for vigilance and preparedness on all fronts when it comes to the safety of our children.
