COLUMBUS — A Columbus East High School student was struck and killed while trying to get on a Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. bus in a hit-and-run accident at 6:55 a.m. Monday.

Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies, Columbus police and Indiana State Police are investigating in the 1900 block of South Gladstone Avenue, where a bus remained at the scene as accident reconstructionists worked nearby.

Witnesses reported that a Columbus East student was attempting to get on a stopped school bus when they were struck by a passenger vehicle. The driver of the vehicle involved in the hit and run fled the scene and was followed by a witness who observed the crash. The suspect was located a short time later on CR 250E where he was taken into custody.

The student was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital where the student died, sheriff’s deputies said.

The investigation into the hit-and-run crash is ongoing.

Additional information including the identity of both the suspect and student involved in the crash is expected to be released later today.

“We are working closely with Bartholomew County School Corp. officials in regards to this investigation,” said Major Chris Lane. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. A tragic event like this affects many people and we are thinking of everyone involved.”