Boy dies after being hit by car near bus stop in Burke County, troopers say

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Troopers said an 8-year-old has died after he was hit by a car near his school bus stop in Burke County Thursday morning.

Highway Patrol was called to Drexel Road near Green Tree Road in Valdese just before 7 a.m.

Troopers said Matthew Contreras darted in front of traffic near his bus stop just north of Interstate 40. He was hit by a car and then taken to a Morganton hospital. Troopers said he was flown from there to another hospital in Charlotte in critical condition, but then died from his injuries.

Matthew Contreras Matthew Contreras (Family of Matthew Contreras)

Investigators said Contreras had been waiting with older family members at the bus stop when he ran out into the road. Neighbors said the family has only recently moved into the home.

“Tragic event for everyone involved. It was apparently unavoidable. It was dawn. The driver had come across a small hill-crest and the child was in the road,” said Jeff Swagger, with Highway Patrol.

Drexel- extra counselors have been called to Drexel Elementary after an 8-year old student died near his bus stop this morning. State troopers say the child darted out into traffic along Drexel road. Watch channel 9 for updates. pic.twitter.com/UgCqOgU8NM
— Dave Faherty (@FahertyWSOC9) February 10, 2022

According to the superintendent of Burke County Public Schools, the boy was a second-grade Drexel Elementary School student. The district called extra counselors to help students process their grief and also added support staff for teachers.

“The counselors will be there for our students. Pull out teachers if necessary. We also have an employee assistance program that we offer our staff in the events of tragedies like this,” said Superintendent Mike Swan.

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Troopers told Channel 9 the bus had not arrived at the stop when the crash happened. They also said the driver of the car involved in the wreck will not be charged.

Other parents told Channel 9 the stop was in front of the boy’s home. They said the area where the wreck happened is a dangerous stretch of Drexel Road.

“The crest of the hill coming from the interstate, you can’t really see. If you’re not aware, anything can happen,” a parent said.

The crash is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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