An 8-year-old girl was hit and killed by an ambulance in Van Buren on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
The girl, whom police identified as Emma Cormier, was attempting to cross Main Street near Kennedy Terrace when an ambulance, traveling north, hit her, the Maine State Police said. Ambulance personnel in the vehicle tried to render aid but Emma, who lived nearby, died at the scene, state police said in a statement Thursday.
State police are investigating the crash.
The vehicle from the Van Buren Ambulance Service was not responding to an emergency call, police said. The speed limit in the area is 25 mph and “speed is not a factor” in the crash, Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said in a statement.
The director of the ambulance service could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Kylie Lapierre, district principal for Maine School Administrative District 24, which serves Van Buren, Hamlin and Cyr Plantation, sent a statement to the school community on Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news that one of our students has passed away,” Lapierre said. “We know this loss may affect many students in different ways.”
The district is taking measures to provide extra support for students and staff, Lapierre said.
“If you notice your child is struggling or would like additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us,” Lapierre said. “Together, we will continue to provide care and comfort for all of our students as they navigate this loss.”
This is a developing story.