'Massive tragedy': Burlington man, 21, charged in school hit-and-run that left 8-year-old girl dead

A 21-year-old driver has been criminally charged in a hit-and-run incident that killed an eight-year-old Burlington girl.

Police say the 21-year-old man, arrested not far from the crime scene, has been charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident causing death, which is a criminal code charge, according to Const. Ryan Anderson.

The officer called the incident a "massive tragedy" and was oftentimes emotional when addressing reporters Thursday afternoon while providing an update at the school.

"We have a whole community here that's really hurting," he said.

The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (May 3) outside Burlington Central School, where, police said, a number of local residents with children congregated for a school theatre event, believed to be the school's spring play.

Police say a parent stopped in the driveway to allow their child to exit the vehicle and enter the school.

As the child crossed the driveway toward the east entrance doors, she was struck a white SUV exiting the lot.

Police said the driver of the SUV allegedly exited the lot without stopping and turned the vehicle westbound on Baldwin Street.

The child was transported by ambulance to McMaster Children's Hospital for emergency medical treatment, but succumbed to her injuries, being "declared deceased" a short time later, police said.

Colette Ruddock, Superintendent of Education for the Halton District School Board, said the board's Tragic Events Response Team is at the school Thursday and will be there as long as needed to provide support to staff and students.

We're heartbroken," she told reporters.

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward released a statement on Twitter about the girl's death.

"I am absolutely heart-broken and devastated, and on behalf of my Council colleagues and the City of Burlington, we are sending our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, loved ones and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We are a community in mourning," she said.

If any members of the public witnessed the incident or if anyone has information, police are advising them to call Const. Olga Kripak of the Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 5189.

- with files from Toronto Star