A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy is in hospital and facing possible surgery after he was hit by a school bus this morning.
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The young student was retrieving his school bag from the external bus luggage compartment when the driver took off, knocking him to the ground outside Tarrington Lutheran School just after 8.15am.
The child suffered a fracture to his lower leg and multiple soft tissue injuries and abrasions.
He was taken by road ambulance to Hamilton Base Hospital pending surgery.
"He may require surgery, that's yet to be determined," Hamilton Highway Patrol Sergeant David Walkley said.
"We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and Worksafe are also involved.
"It's a good reminder to parents and students to be extra careful when getting on and off the bus, things can happen in the blink of an eye."
Chief Medical Officer of Western District Health Services Dr Dale Ford said the boy will spend the night in hospital.
"Surgery is possible, but at this time things are stable," he said.
"He is awaiting further review tomorrow in order to determine the course of treatment.
"I don't know how fast the bus was going, but he was getting his bags out of the bus so it's likely that it had only just started."
The school has been contacted for comment.
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