HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — The Henry County Police Department is investigating a crash that killed an 8-year-old girl Thursday afternoon.
Police say a Henry County school bus was traveling east on State Route 20 when it slowed down and activated its eight-way flashers while letting a student off the bus.
According to police, a father driving a blue 1996 Buick Century behind the bus may have fallen asleep behind the wheel just before rear-ending the school bus.
The 8-year-old girl riding in the Buick's right-rear passenger seat received serious injuries, and was later pronounced dead.
"The car actually traveled through the corner of the bus. It was extensive damage," Henry County Police Lt. Joey Smith said.
The Buick's driver and left-rear passenger, a 7-year-old boy, received non-life-threatening injuries. Police report both children riding in the Buick were properly restrained.
No injuries were reported by high school students riding the Henry County Schools bus.
Student Kelsei Hartley says she has bruises from when the force of the crash knocked her into another seat.
Hartley told Channel 2 Action News she's still coming to terms with what happened.
"It was just an accident, but hopefully it keeps kids mindful of that something in an instant can change for them, and unfortunately it can have dire consequences," said Henry County Schools Spokesman JD Hardin.
Police also say there are no signs drugs or alcohol was responsible for this incident.
Investigators say it will be several weeks before a grand jury decides if the father will face any criminal charges for this crash.
WSBTV
