Help local family with expenses

State police say a 9-year-old was seriously injured Wednesday after exiting a school bus.

On Wednesday around 4 p.m., troopers said they responded to an injury involving a pedestrian struck on Louisiana Highway 23 near Danos Lane. 

State police say a school bus was stopped in the northbound lane of LA Highway 23 with the stop signs extended and flashing lights activated.

While stopped, a 9-year-old student exited the bus and was walking away from the roadway, according to troopers.

State police say a 1989 Ford dump truck, driven by 61-year-old Gregory Valentine, of Donaldsonville, approached the rear of the school bus, but failed to come to a stop.

Valentine swerved to the right onto the northbound shoulder to avoid the school bus, but struck the 9-year-old child, according to troopers.

State police say the 9-year-old child suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Valentine was charged with negligent injuring, reckless operation of a vehicle, and driving with a suspended license, according to state police.

All proceeds will go to her mother, Michelle.