Girl hit by bus in stable condition after emergency surgeries

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This article was published 16/09/2023 (766 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Steinbach girl who was struck by a school bus and airlifted to Winnipeg is in stable but serious condition, after undergoing multiple emergency surgeries.

The six-year-old child remains in a medically-induced coma and has not been awake since the accident on Monday morning, said Shannon Johnson Friesen, pastor of Stonehouse Covenant Church.

“Her vitals are stable, but she suffered significant complications within her pelvic region and lower extremities,” Friesen said by phone Saturday.

“We are asking those who pray to pray for miracles for this little girl’s body.”

The collision occurred outside Steinbach Regional Secondary School at about 8:30 a.m. as the girl, who lives in the area, was walking to school with her siblings. She was in critical condition when a STARS air ambulance helicopter transported her to Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, where she received immediate, life-saving surgery.

The child underwent another surgery Friday, with a third operation possibly planned Saturday, Friesen said.

The church, which the child’s family is a part of, organized an online fundraiser through GoFundMe to provide financial support. As of Saturday afternoon, it had generated roughly $17,000 — nearly doubling its initial goal of $10,000.

“I was just talking to the dad today and they are feeling so much support and that is what is helping them get through this,” Friesen said. “He said, ‘I know that you are taking care of us, and all I am focusing on is my baby, and her getting well.’”

The family has four other school-age children who are being well cared for with the help of family and community members, she said.

Many have donated money online, while others are providing immediate support in other ways while the family waits to gain access to the funds, she added.

“The fact that we are seeing the community come together around a family in crisis, that indicated what we do as humans so often: when there is a need, we jump into action. People want to help, and when you give people the opportunity, they will do it.”

All funds raised will be given to the family to help offset medical costs and loss of income.

The Hanover School Division acknowledged the accident in a statement, saying it occurred near the school’s bus loop.

“Several students on the bus and another bus witnessed the accident, as did nearby walking students,” the division said.

“Divisional and school care teams debriefed students on site. If your child witnessed the accident or is aware of the accident and needs further support, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school.”

An investigation is ongoing, RCMP said.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca