DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KNX) — Authorities have arrested an 87-year-old man for allegedly rear-ending a school bus Thursday in Desert Hot Springs, then going around the bus and striking a group of children, killing a 9-year-old girl.
Three other students were injured by the vehicle allegedly driven by Robert Hanson, who was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on charges of vehicular manslaughter and fatal hit-and-run, according to jail records.
Hanson posted a $75,000 bail and was released Friday afternoon, according to City News Service.
California Highway Patrol said Hanson was driving a white Cadillac sedan when he allegedly rear-ended the bus around 4 p.m. in the 17500 block of Corkill Road, according to City News Service.
Hanson then allegedly went around the bus, veering onto the right shoulder of southbound Corkill Road. He hit a speed limit sign and plowed into four young students who were walking on the shoulder, police said.
One of the children—identified by authorities as 9-year-old Monica Gonzalez Guzman of Desert Hot Springs—died as a result of her injuries.
Hanson and the other injured children were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to CNS.
KESQ reported the children are students at Julius Corsini Elementary School.
“It is overwhelming to hear and process this kind of tragic news,” Palm Springs Unified School District Superintendent Mike Swize said in a statement.
“We want our families and staff to know that we are here for them to provide any support they need now or in the coming days and weeks ahead. All of us at Palm Springs Unified extend our heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time.”
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