Father Pleads for Increased Safety after Daughter Hit, Killed at Bus Stop

The Arkansas State Police identifies her as Jazmin Hernandez, of Glenwood. 

The accident report states she was struck by a 2001 Ford Explorer headed west on Highway 70 which failed to yield when the bus stopped in the eastbound lane to unload passengers. 

State Police have not released the name of the driver of the SUV.

The girl was hit as she crossed the highway. 

The report notes that all emergency lights and signals were activated on the bus. Jazmin had been taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Jazmin was in the seventh grade at Kirby Schools. Tuesday the school brought in extra counselors and people to help with the grief of losing Jazmin.

 

Miguel Hernandez just finished working through the funeral preparations for Jazmin when he agreed to speak with reporters.

A translator by his side spoke on behalf of Miguel.

“He’s gonna miss her. She was his right hand,” the translator said. “These are the things that nobody is prepared to deal with.”

Jazmin was feet from her home and the church her father pastors along Highway 70 in the Salem community.

It was the second stop of the day for the bus full of children.

“Chills ran up my back. I knew it couldn’t be good. It’s never good when something like that happens,” said Kirby Superintendent Jeff Alexander. “I’ve seen more tears shed today than I’ve seen in quite some time.”

Jazmin’s friends are now left without someone they say they looked up to and depended on.

“I really want to be with her but I just can’t,” Marisol cried.

While he is grieving as well, Jazmin’s father says he hopes this can serve a purpose.

“Don’t let another child die,” Miguel insisted on increasing safety steps for children. “Improving signs, bus stop signs, everything. Whatever they can do in their power to improve security measures and to not let this happen again.”

He suggests agencies and districts across the state stress the importance of following school bus guidelines and even add signage along routes where a school bus may stop, especially on a State Highway.