SUV Jumps Sidewalk, Strikes Second-Grader at Mass. School

Posted on Feb 10, 2008

An 86-year-old man driving to his neighborhood school to vote in the presidential primary lost control of his sport utility vehicle, drove across a lawn and jumped a sidewalk before striking a young schoolchild. It happened at the main entrance to Elizabeth Lyons Elementary School in Randolph, Mass., the Boston Globe reported.

Police identified the victim as second grader Brittany Noel, who was admitted to Boston Medical Center with “serious” injuries, according to hospital officials. "We heard she’s that in the pediatric intensive care unit and in stable condition," said Randolph School Superintendent Richard Silverman. "It was an unfortunate accident."

Lyons School Principal Leo Flanagan said students witnessed the entire event while others had to run from the oncoming vehicle. "Counselors from the district have come here to help the kids process it," he said.

William Geisler, the driver, was taken to Milton Hospital and soon released. His wife, Ruth, who was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash, was reached at home by the Globe. "He's not up for talking to anyone right now," she said. "We've called our insurance."

Ten counselors talked to Lyons Elementary students about the incident at their school. Ann Holleran said children had many questions. "Children who witnessed it were upset," she said. "They asked us questions like, 'Why do accidents happen?' We told them, ‘Sometimes accidents just happen.’"

Stacey Kelsey arrived at the Lyons School at 12:45 p.m. to pick up her cousin's son. She told the Globe that parents know not to drive in the round driveway directly in front of the school (where the accident occurred). "When I heard that, it all fit," she said, after learning details of the crash. "It's devastating. It's sad all around."