Schoolgirl, 15, killed after being hit by a double decker as she ran to catch the bus with pal
A SCHOOLGIRL was killed after being hit by a double decker as she ran to catch a bus with her friend, an inquest heard.
Sophie Fletcher suffered serious head injuries after she was struck by the vehicle in Birmingham on March 18.
The 15-year-old had got off a bus on the opposite side of the road and was running across the street with a pal to catch another when she was hit.
Birmingham Coroners Court heard “nothing could be done” to stop the National Express driver from hitting keen dancer Sophie.
At the time the teen ran from behind the first bus, the vehicle that struck her was travelling at 23mph in a 30mph zone.
Assistant Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull Ian Dreelan said: “Sophie and her friend had left a bus and ran behind the back of the bus.
“Her friend stopped but Sophie continued to run. She was struck by an oncoming double decker bus.
“It is clear from video footage that the bus driver was simply unable to react in time.
“The distance was simply too short.
“She suffered injuries which caused her to die at scene.”
The coroner recorded a verdict of a road traffic collision and confirmed Sophie died from a severe head trauma.
The schoolgirl’s parents previously paid tribute to Sophie, who was a student at Euphoria Dance Studios.
They said: “She was a beautiful young girl with an amazing personality and presence to match.
“She will be so greatly missed by all her family, friends whether in or outside of school.
“Mommy will always hold your hand and you will always be daddy’s little princess.
“Fly high our beautiful Sophie Soph. We will love you, forever & always Mommy & Daddy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.”