MBC News File Photo
On Friday, September 11th, an Arnprior mom received the news no mother wants to hear. Her daughter was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street on her way to the bus stop.
Fourteen year old Makenna was crossing the street at Madawaska and Bridge to catch her bus to school around 7am.
That’s when, according to her mother, a distracted driver ran the red light and struck her daughter, knocking her to the ground.
That’s Sarah Torraville, Makenna’s mother. The accident left her daughter with multiple injuries. Torraville says her daughter is recovering from spinal swelling, nerve damage, blunt force trauma, eye swollen shut, road rash, sprained ankles and a sprained knee. She’s extremely grateful that nothing is broken, but says the mental anguish from going through such a traumatic event will be impactful.
Torraville says she’s called the school board and the transportation company multiple times about the new stop.
This stop is new this year and requires anyone living on the south side of Madawaska to cross the four lane road to get to the stop located in the plaza parking lot, without a crossing guard. Torraville says multiple parents have complained about the stop and the close calls between vehicles and children only a couple weeks into the school year.
WOW FM reached out to the Renfrew County Joint Transportation Consortium about the incident and whether the organization was looking into stopping on both sides of Madawaska to prevent children from crossing the four lane roadway. Justin Jeffery, General Manager of the transportation consortium said the following in response.
“The Renfrew County Joint Transportation Consortium (RCJTC) is committed to the safety of all students who use student transportation services. Student safety is at the forefront of how we plan and continually review bus routes, bus stop locations, and student loading areas across Renfrew County.
The RCJTC regularly reviews bus stop locations and routing practices in collaboration with school boards, transportation operators, municipal partners, and the communities we serve. When considering bus stop locations and routes, we look at a broad range of factors to help support safe and efficient transportation for students. These can include traffic conditions, road characteristics, visibility, operational considerations, and other local circumstances that may be unique to a particular area.
The Consortium is always looking for opportunities to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the transportation network and welcomes information that may assist in that ongoing work.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident. We remain committed to working with our partners to provide safe, reliable transportation for the students and families we serve.”
Although the accident has left Makenna bruised up, her mother says she still has her humour with her.
In a recent update from Torraville, Makenna returned to hospital following concerns her condition was not improving. Now released, Torraville says her daughter has paralysis and will need time and therapy to recover.
A family friend and neighbour, Kelly-Anne Dubois has organized a Go-Fund-Me to help support the the Torraville family through this difficult time. Torraville also says The Cupboard Restaurant in Arnprior is organizing a fundraiser for them and she is just so grateful for all the amazing support the community has given.
(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)
