Sydney’s southwest was marred by a devastating bus accident that has sent shockwaves throughout the community. The incident, which occurred near Macarthur Anglican School in Cobbitty, turned tragic as a 14-year-old schoolboy lost his life in a horrifying accident involving a school bus. The news of this young life cut short has left many in mourning and anguish. Outraged by the incident, some have taken to the streets to demand justice for the teen boy. This heart-wrenching incident has now captured the nation’s attention and stands as breaking news. People across the country are eager to learn more about the details of this tragic accident, and we aim to provide you with all the essential information in this article.
A Fatal Day at Macarthur Anglican School
The fatal bus accident unfolded one fateful Wednesday afternoon in the vicinity of Macarthur Anglican School, situated in Cobbitty. Tragically, the bus struck a 14-year-old schoolboy, resulting in his untimely death. Despite immediate efforts to provide emergency medical aid and airlift him to Liverpool Hospital, the young boy could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, marking a deeply sorrowful day for all involved.
A Heartbreaking Loss
The cause of the schoolboy’s death was determined to be the injuries he sustained during the crash. The 14-year-old, a student in the prime of his life, was walking along the footpath in Cobbitty near Macarthur Anglican School when the bus accident occurred. The circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching incident involve a female bus driver. The bus veered off-course while navigating a roundabout and tragically struck the teen boy.
Penina Lopesi: The Driver Behind the Wheel
The driver of the bus, initially unnamed by authorities, has now been identified as Penina Lopesi, a 54-year-old woman. Following the accident, David Nockles, the principal of Macarthur Anglican School, released a statement addressing the tragic event. He confirmed the devastating loss of a year 9 student. Nockles explained, “At present, all that can be confirmed is that a public transport bus lost control as it moved away from the bus bays.”
A School in Grief
The principal continued, acknowledging that the student’s injuries ultimately led to his passing after his arrival at the hospital. He expressed deep sympathy, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy’s family, including his brother in year 11, as they deal with unimaginable grief and heartache.” Meanwhile, the bus driver was taken into custody immediately and charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving, and driving in a dangerous manner.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Initially, the bus driver was not granted bail, and a court appearance at Liverpool Local Court was scheduled for February 15, 2023. However, recent reports indicate that Penina Lopesi, the bus driver involved in the accident, has been granted bail. She was also admitted to the same hospital where the 14-year-old boy had been rushed after the accident. Paramedics worked tirelessly at the scene before transporting him to Liverpool Hospital. Sadly, despite a valiant battle for his life, the young boy could not be saved.
Awaiting the Legal Process
Penina Lopesi’s court date is now set for April as she remains on bail. It is worth noting that she is a mother. Additionally, unofficial reports suggest that she underwent drug and alcohol tests following the crash. The report states, “Bus driver charged after boy, 14, fatally struck outside Anglican School in Cobbitty. The driver, Penina Lopesi, was taken for drug & alcohol testing after the crash, before being charged last night with dangerous driving occasioning death & negligent driving.”
As this tragic incident continues to unfold, we will provide you with further updates and details on this website. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young boy who lost his life in this devastating accident.
