JAMESTOWN — A four-year-old girl has been killed near Fletcher Elementary School after being struck by a school bus.

The area around Fletcher Elementary School was closed while parents were dropping off children Monday morning while Jamestown police officers investigated an accident involving a school bus.

JPD officers were in the area, and upon arrival attempted to render first aid. The child was transported to UPMC Chautauqua at WCA Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries, JPD officials said.

Cole Avenue near Fletcher Elementary School is expected to be closed for several hours. JPD along with assistance from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team and New York State Police are continuing to investigate the incident, JPD officials said.

Amanda Sischo, Fletcher Elementary School principal, notified Fletcher parents of the situation around 12:20 p.m. Monday.

“It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the loss of a Fletcher Elementary School student who was fatally injured Monday morning in an accident with an out-of-district bus,” Sischo said. “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her. This is a tragic loss for the Fletcher school community and all of us in the Jamestown Public Schools family. Members of our Building Crisis Team have been working with our counselors and other staff members to hep students and staff deal with their feelings and emotions.”

Jamestown Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker also released a statement.

“We are heartbroken by this devastating news, and our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends,” Whitaker said. “This is an unimaginable loss for the Fletcher community and for all of Jamestown Public Schools. The passing of a student affects us all, and our district stands ready to support our students, staff, and families in every way we can.”

Panama Central School officials released a statement around noon Monday stating that one of the district’s buses was involved in the accident and that a Jamestown student was killed.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share news of a heartbreaking incident involving a very young student from the Jamestown City School District, who tragically passed away after being struck by one of our district’s school buses in front of a Jamestown elementary school,” Emily Harvey, Panama superintendent, said in the Facebook post to the Panama community. “The bus was on the way to drop off one of our students for an out-of-district placement at the time. Neither the student on the bus nor the driver were injured. Because this remains an active police investigation, the information we are able to share is limited. At this time, it appears this was a truly tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, and classmates, and with the entire Jamestown City School District community. We extend our heartfelt condolences and ask our Panama community to keep them in your thoughts and hold them gently during this unimaginable time of grief.”

Fletcher Elementary School was scheduled for an early dismissal for parent-teacher conferences that have since been canceled while staggering dismissal times to reduce congestion around the school.

JPS officials recognize that this may be a difficult time for students and staff.

“Fletcher Elementary School’s Crisis Intervention Team, made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this, will be made available to those who may need it. Additionally, our counselors are available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss,” JPS officials noted.