SARASOTA, FL – A 12-year-old Florida girl experienced a horrific start to the new school year when she was inadvertently run over by her mother’s SUV during morning drop-off, according to authorities. The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. outside Booker Middle School in Sarasota, Florida, when the girl dropped her backpack and some of her belongings rolled under her mother’s Lincoln Navigator, said Highway Patrol Trooper Kenn Watson.
The mother was unaware that her daughter had crawled under the vehicle to retrieve her items when she began to drive away. The mother immediately halted the vehicle when she heard her daughter scream, Watson reported.
Following the accident, the girl was airlifted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. As of late Monday night, she was reported to be in critical condition. The identities of the girl and her mother have not been disclosed.
Watson expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “Here we are, day one, and we’ve already had a tragedy.” He emphasized the importance of spatial awareness, particularly in school zones and when children are exiting vehicles.
In response to the incident, the school provided counselors for students. Principal Lashawn Frost urged parents to adhere to the designated drop-off procedures. He communicated this message to parents following the incident.
Watson further commented on the incident, stating that it was a tragedy that could have been completely avoided with a bit more attention and patience. He urged parents and drivers to be more cautious, particularly in school zones.