2 charged after London, Ont. boy killed coming off school bus
More than six months after a seven-year-old tragically lost their life while getting off their school bus, police have charged two people in connection with his death.
During a Thursday press conference, London police announced the driver of the vehicle, a 47-year-old Milton, Ont., resident, was charged with one count of dangerous operation causing death.
The driver of the school bus, an 81-year-old London man, was charged with criminal negligence causing death.
Police said after an extensive investigation, they allege the bus driver did not follow proper safety protocols by checking to make sure the road was clear before letting the child off the bus.
The crash happened just a week before Christmas on Dec. 16, 2024, when Dante Caranci was getting off his school bus across the street from his house on a two-lane highway on Longwoods road near Murray roads just before 4 p.m.
“With all emergency equipment activated, including the stop arm and flashing red lights, Dante exited the bus and began to cross the two-lane highway in front of the school bus,” Staff Sergt. Mike Anderson said.
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Anderson said Dante was hit by a driver in a Honda Pilot coming in the opposite direction who allegedly did not stop for the school bus’s stop sign, striking the young boy who was crossing the street.
During the press conference, police confirmed the driver of the vehicle had been working as a courier or delivery driver at the time of the crash, but would not say what company they were working for at the time.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. We send our children to school, expecting them to return home safely. The dangers that exist should never result in such a heartbreaking outcome,” he said.
Dante was transported to hospital by paramedic services with life-threatening injuries, and later died in hospital.
“No words can express the heartbreak of losing a child. This is such an incredible family, and Dante was such a loving boy who will be deeply missed,” a GoFundMe set up for Caranci’s family reads.
The online fundraiser has surpassed $250,000 in donations as of Thursday morning in support of the Caranci family.
Deputy Chief Scott Guilford stressed the importance of preparing to stop[ for school buses when amber lights are flashing.
Drivers must come to a complete stop at least 20 meters from the school bus when the red lights are flashing, and the stop arm is extended.
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