Police are investigating the Tuesday afternoon crash on Aberdeen Road and have not released details about what caused it.
FRANKFORT, Ill. — A 6-year-old girl died Tuesday after she was struck by a school bus on a residential street in Frankfort, authorities said, leaving police to investigate how the fatal collision happened during the afternoon student commute.
Jenna Menias, a student in Frankfort School District 157-C, was identified by the Cook County medical examiner’s office after the Sept. 8 crash. Frankfort police said officers were called at about 3:24 p.m. to the 500 block of Aberdeen Road, where they found the girl unresponsive with serious injuries. Authorities have not released details explaining what led to the collision.
Witnesses and first responders began CPR and other lifesaving measures before Menias was taken to a hospital, police said. She was later pronounced dead. FOX 32 Chicago reported that she was taken to a hospital in Olympia Fields. Officials have not announced any finding about responsibility for the crash, and no criminal charges have been reported.
The bus involved was a Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 bus carrying students from Frankfort School District 157-C, according to school officials. Several students were aboard when the collision occurred. Emergency responders evaluated the passengers at the scene, and they were later reunited with their families. Authorities reported no other injuries.
Police and emergency vehicles remained around the Aberdeen Road area as investigators worked at the scene Tuesday. The crash prompted road closures and traffic delays while officers examined the area. Authorities have not publicly released the name of the bus driver or described the bus’s movements immediately before Menias was struck.
Frankfort School District 157-C informed families about the crash Tuesday evening and said it was working with authorities. The district said the incident had deeply affected the school community and made school support staff available to students who were worried or upset. The district also said Lincoln Way Transportation was cooperating with the Frankfort Police Department and Will County Sheriff’s Office.
Frankfort police expressed condolences to Menias’ family and others affected by the crash and asked that their privacy be respected. Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle also expressed sympathy for the child’s family, witnesses and first responders following the collision.
The central questions surrounding the crash remained unanswered Wednesday. Police had not publicly explained how the bus and the child came into contact, whether any traffic violation was suspected or whether investigators had reached conclusions about the driver’s actions. Officials have described the case as an ongoing investigation.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the collision to contact the Frankfort Police Department. No additional findings about the cause of the crash had been announced as of Wednesday morning.
Author note: Last updated September 9, 2026.