12-Year-Old Girl Dies After Scooter Crash With School Bus on Portland St and 5th Ave in Haverhill, MA

Haverhill, MA (June 27, 2026) – This article is an update on a previously reported crash. You can read the original article here.

A 12-year-old girl has died after colliding with a school bus while riding a motorized scooter with another child. The collision occurred on Thursday afternoon, June 25, at the intersection of Portland Street and 5th Avenue.

Both children were initially reported as seriously injured and taken to a local hospital. The girl, a Haverhill Public Schools student, later died from her injuries. Her identity had not been released at the time of this report.

Massachusetts State Police and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are assisting Haverhill police with the investigation. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the girl's family and all those who knew and loved her.

What Legal Options Do Parents Have After Losing a Child in a School Bus Crash in Massachusetts?

When a child is killed in a collision involving a school bus, parents may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under Massachusetts law, and the specific circumstances surrounding the crash will play a major role in determining what legal options may be available.

Unlike many standard vehicle collisions, school bus crashes often involve additional legal and factual considerations. School districts, transportation providers, and bus operators are subject to specific safety obligations, and questions involving driver attentiveness, vehicle speed, supervision procedures, and visibility in areas where children are present can all become important when determining liability.

The identity of the party operating the bus can also significantly affect how a claim proceeds. If the bus was operated by a public school district or another government entity, families may face notice requirements and procedural deadlines that differ from those that apply in a typical motor vehicle case. If a private transportation company were involved, a different set of legal and insurance issues may apply.

Once liability issues are evaluated, attention often turns to the losses a family has suffered as a result of the tragedy. In Massachusetts, damages in a wrongful death claim involving a child may include funeral and burial expenses, the loss of the child's companionship, and the loss of the relationship and experiences parents would have shared with their child in the years ahead.

Because claims involving school transportation can involve additional procedural requirements and multiple potentially responsible parties, careful investigation from the outset can be especially important. Legal guidance from a wrongful death attorney may help families identify the full range of compensation available, navigate any special requirements that apply, and ensure that any resolution reflects the profound and lasting impact of their loss.

If your family has lost a child in a school bus crash in Massachusetts, there is legal help available. Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has represented Massachusetts residents in personal injury cases for over a decade. You can call him at (617) 990-2568 to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.