Family files $5.5 million lawsuit over tragic school bus fatality

The family of a 7-year-old boy killed while getting off a school bus has launched a lawsuit - seeking over $5.5 million in damages.

The family of a 7-year-old boy killed while disembarking a school bus has launched a civil lawsuit seeking over $5.5 million in damages.

Dante Caranci died on December 17, 2024, one day after being struck by a vehicle on Longwoods Road on the western edge of Lambeth.

The statement of claim, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, names multiple defendants, including the courier driver involved in the collision, the school bus driver, the courier company, the bus operating company, the student transportation service, and the City of London.

The incident occurred on December 16, 2024, when Dante was reportedly hit by a westbound Honda driven by Atir Gayyur Mir, 47, of Milton, while crossing Longwoods Road. Six months after the collision, London police charged both Mir and the school bus driver, Jose Lema, 82, of London.

Police stated at the time of the charges that their investigation indicated Mir’s vehicle made no attempt to stop, despite the school bus’s safety arm being extended and its red lights flashing.

When questioned about the charges against Lema, police explained that numerous safety steps were allegedly ignored, including failing to ensure traffic had stopped and it was safe for the child to exit and cross the roadway.

Mir faces charges of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, while Lema has been charged with criminal negligence causing death.

The civil lawsuit further alleges negligence on the part of the City of London, citing a history of complaints about speeding on Longwoods Road and accusing the municipality of failing to address these safety concerns. Langs Bus Lines Ltd. and Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services, which oversees local school bus operations, are also named in the suit.

The statement of claim details extensive allegations against all parties, including excessive speed, failure to maintain a proper lookout, and operating vehicles in a reckless or careless manner. Specific to the bus driver, allegations include failure to properly supervise Dante, allowing him to disembark into a dangerous situation, and failing to activate all safety components of the bus.

The bus company and transportation service are accused of employing incompetent staff and failing to implement adequate safety policies.

The plaintiffs, including Dante’s parents Jacqueline and Stefano Caranci, his brother Vincenzo Caranci, and his grandparents are seeking damages for pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses, as well as damages under the Family Law Act. The total amount claimed includes $1.5 million each for Dante’s parents, $500,000 for his brother, and $200,000 each for his four grandparents, alongside other expenses and potential punitive damages. The lawsuit also seeks pre-judgment and post-judgment interest and costs.

The legal proceedings are currently before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.