Boy, 12, dead after being hit by vehicle while waiting for school bus in Port Hope, sister in critical condition

A 12-year-old boy is dead and his 10-year-old sister is in critical condition after the two were struck by a vehicle while awaiting the arrival of their school bus in Port Hope, Ontario, CP24 reports.

The boy was pronounced dead when first responders arrived at the scene, while his sister was immediately airlifted to SickKids Hospital in Toronto to receive treatment for her injuries.

Other children were present at the bus stop at the time, but were not injured in the incident.

Sgt. Jason Folz of the Ontario Provincial Police said a car heading southbound slid on the snowy road and struck the two siblings. Police have not yet established whether the weather conditions played a role in the incident.

"I can't even imagine how [the family is] doing. I mean, this is certainly a significant tragedy for this community and specifically for that family," Folz said.

"We don't have the words to express our shock and sadness over the tragedy of this terrible event. The family has asked for everyone's prayers at this time," said Principal Karen McCormack. "The students were shocked. The students are sad."

Superintendent Pepe Garieri noted that the family of the children is well-known in Port Hope, and that the whole community is affected by the loss.

"The students here, many of them are in disbelief. They're in shock over what has taken place," said Garieri.

The flags at the surrounding schools in Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board were flown at half mast to honour the victim.