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11-year-old trying to get to bus stop hit by car in north Charlotte

By Alexa Ashwell
By Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An 11-year-old girl was hospitalized Tuesday morning after she was hit by a car outside her home in north Charlotte.

The family of Zion Massey said she was crossing Lasalle Street to get to her bus stop when she was hit by an oncoming car.

The driver remained at the scene until police arrived, and Zion was taken to Carolinas Medical Center.

Family said Zion was stable condition Tuesday afternoon but had swelling of the brain. They’re hopeful for a full recovery.

“I had her by the hand,” said Zion’s grandmother, Doris Massey, who said she witnessed the crash.

“There wasn’t anything coming down the road in either direction. But when she (Zion) stepped off the sidewalk, that car jumped out of nowhere,” Doris Massey said.

No one else appeared to be injured.

The 11-year-old attends Bruns Academy. Officials said the school principal visited Zion in the hospital shortly after the crash.  Counselors were on hand at school for students.

“I just can’t imagine this on any child,” said Angel Massey, Zion’s aunt.

The family asked whether the driver was going above the posted 30 mph speed limit. They also asked why Zion’s bus stop is across the street.

The family said they had concerns when officials moved it across the street to the corner of Lasalle and Irma streets.

“We were saying that it was too dangerous for kids to catch the bus up here,” said Angel Massey.  “We would rather them catch the bus down here.”

Channel 9 contacted Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to find out why the bus stop location changed.

CMS released this statement:

The safety of our students is a top priority. We are deeply saddened by this morning’s accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the student and her family. CMS Transportation Services always works to provide safe bus stop locations for our students. At this time, the district is actively reviewing requests received regarding this bus stop and any associated changes to it to determine if any changes are needed.

Zion’s family said they hope the bus stop can be changed again to prevent another child from being hurt.

“I’m just praying she will be all right,” said Doris Massey.

Investigators have not yet said if they believe that speed was a factor in the crash.  No charges have been filed against the driver. The crash remains under investigation.

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