‘A massive tragedy’: Driver charged as community mourns girl killed in Burlington hit-and-run

A small memorial is growing outside a Burlington school where an eight-year-old girl was struck and killed in a hit and run.

Emergency crews were called to the scene at Central Public School on Wednesday evening. Halton police say the girl was struck in the driveway as she entered the school for a theatre event.

“What took place last night is a massive tragedy,” said a visibly emotional Halton police Const. Ryan Anderson in an update on Thursday morning. “It’s just horrible.”

The White SUV that struck the girl did not stop and the driver fled the area. Anderson confirmed the 21-year-old driver who was arrested a short time after the incident has been charged with failure to remain.

Investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the collision.

“The community is impacted by this, our officers and first responders as well,” said Anderson. “It’s not hard to empathize with the family and put themselves in their position.”

“Anyone who needs it would be urged to contact the Halton Police victims services. We’ve got a whole community here that’s really hurting.”

A small memorial has been setup outside the school as of Thursday morning. Community members have placed stuffed animals and flowers near where the collision occurred.

A memorial outside Central Public School in Burlington after a young girl was struck and killed in a hit-and-run on May 4, 2023. CITYNEWS/Bertram Dandy

Central Public School will be open on Thursday and the Halton District School Board says there will be a Tragic Events Response Team on site to provide support to students and staff.

“This is devastating to our staff, as it is to our students,” says board superintendent Collette Ruddock. “Our first priority this morning is the family and friends of the student involved and the students and staff of the school community.”

The school board says the response team and grief counsellors will remain at the school as long as they are needed.

Burlington mayor Marianne Meed Ward called the incident tragic on Twitter and offered condolences to everyone involved on behalf of the city.

“I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated,” reads Ward’s Twitter post. “Our thoughts are with the family, the community, the school board, and the first responders who answered the call last night.”