School bus driver charged in fatal crash that killed 11-year-old girl

Amira Aminova died after being struck by a school bus while crossing the street in Brooklyn

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A school bus driver is facing traffic violations after an 11-year-old girl was killed in a crash in Brooklyn. Police say Amira Aminova was crossing the street in a crosswalk when she was struck by the school bus, which did not stop. The 62-year-old driver was later pulled over and charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, but was not charged with leaving the scene.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Amira Aminova has shaken the Bath Beach community and raised concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for children, around school buses and busy intersections. The incident has prompted questions about the driver's actions and training, as well as the oversight and safety protocols for school transportation.

The details

Surveillance footage shows Amira in the crosswalk, where police say she had the right of way. As she's crossing the street, the school bus turns and hits her. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she died. The driver said he was not aware he had hit someone. He was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, but not with leaving the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Amira Aminova, 11, died after being struck by the school bus.

The players

Amira Aminova

An 11-year-old girl who was killed after being struck by a school bus while crossing the street in Brooklyn.

The 62-year-old school bus driver

The driver who struck Amira Aminova and was charged with traffic violations, but not with leaving the scene.

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What they’re saying

“A beautiful little girl, always smiling, happy, you know. You never saw her being rude. Even with my residents, you know, they are challenging and sometimes they cut off on the line, and she was always patient and kind to them.”

— Amella Cekic, Neighbor (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the school bus driver to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for increased safety measures and driver training to protect pedestrians, especially children, around school buses and busy intersections. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability for school transportation providers to ensure proper safety protocols are followed.