Brooklyn, NY (February 6, 2026) – A heartbreaking hit-and-run collision in the Bath Beach neighborhood of Brooklyn claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl on Thursday afternoon, February 5, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 3:06 p.m. at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Bath Avenue.
According to the NYPD and surveillance footage obtained from the scene, the young girl was crossing Bath Avenue within the crosswalk and appeared to have the right of way. As she crossed, a school bus making a right turn from 23rd Avenue onto Bath Avenue struck her and continued moving, reportedly dragging the child for a short distance before leaving the scene. A witness at a local deli mentioned the girl had just purchased chocolate and soda seconds before the impact.
Emergency Medical Services rushed the girl to Maimonides Medical Center in critical condition, where she was tragically pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Following a city-wide search, the 62-year-old driver of the school bus was located in another part of Brooklyn and taken to the 62nd Precinct for questioning. As of Friday morning, the investigation by the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is ongoing, and charges are pending.
Hit & Run Accident in New York
Fatal accidents involving school buses and pedestrians are among the most devastating cases in the New York legal system. Under New York law, victims and their families have the right to hold negligent drivers and their employers—such as private bus companies or the Department of Education—accountable for wrongful death. This includes seeking compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and the immense emotional loss of a child.
In hit-and-run cases, establishing the facts quickly is paramount. An experienced NY-based pedestrian attorney serves as a dedicated advocate, working to secure time-sensitive evidence like surveillance video from nearby businesses and electronic data from the bus itself. This legal oversight is essential for proving the driver’s negligence and ensuring that the victim’s family is not left to navigate the complex insurance and criminal proceedings alone.
New York law maintains extremely rigid timelines for those seeking justice. While the general statute of limitations for wrongful death is two years, the window to file for No-Fault insurance benefits is typically only 30 days. Furthermore, if a city agency or school district is involved, a formal “Notice of Claim” must be filed within just 90 days. Taking action early is a necessary step to protect your rights and ensure your family is treated with the dignity and fairness they deserve.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a school bus accident or a fatal hit-and-run, contact Stanley Law Office at 888-997-3889 for a free, private consultation. We are here to help you find the answers and support you deserve.
