Authorities Friday identified the 9-year-old girl who died in a crash involving a school bus and a sedan in Desert Hot Springs on Thursday.
Monica Gonzalez Guzman of Desert Hot Springs died at the scene of the crash that occurred just before 4 p.m. in the 17500 block of Corkill Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner Office identified Guzman Thursday night.
A California Highway Patrol officer told KESQ at the scene that a white sedan rear-ended the school bus, and the car’s driver then drove around the bus — hitting four students standing next to the vehicle.
Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene, while another suffered serious injuries and another had minor injuries, the station reported.
KESQ reported the children are students at Julius Corsini Elementary School.
The driver of the sedan was taken to a hospital, according to media reports. A description was unavailable.
“It is overwhelming to hear and process this kind of tragic news,” said Palm Springs Unified School District Superintendent Mike Swize.
“We want our families and staff to know that we are here for them to provide any supports they need now or in the coming days and weeks ahead. All of us at Palm Springs Unified extend our heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time.”