Two men have been charged following a six-month investigation into the tragic death of seven-year-old Dante Caranci, who was struck by a car while exiting a school bus on a busy rural road in Lambeth, southwest London, Ontario.
Authorities announced the charges on Thursday against both the school bus driver and the driver of the passing vehicle. Atir Gayyur Mir, a 47-year-old courier from Milton, is facing a charge of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. Police said Mir was working on a delivery when the incident occurred.
The bus driver, 82-year-old Jose Lema of London, has been charged with criminal negligence causing death. Investigators allege that Lema failed to take necessary safety precautions, including making sure traffic had stopped, before allowing Dante to exit the bus and cross the two-lane road.
Reconstruction evidence indicated that Lema should have seen Mir’s vehicle approaching and failing to slow down as Dante was leaving the bus. Acting Staff Sgt. Michael Anderson told reporters that Lema would have had a clear view of the vehicle as it neared the bus and did not take action to prevent the accident. Dante was struck on Longwoods Road at the Murray Road intersection on December 16, 2024, while the bus had its stop sign extended and lights flashing.
The driver involved, Mir, stayed at the scene. Tragically, Dante succumbed to his injuries the following day. Police confirmed that Mir, who was driving a 2023 Honda Pilot, made no attempt to stop for the bus, which was fully halted and had its side stop sign out.
Written by: C. Soares
(Photo credit: CBC)