Written by Markelia Rumble and Myesha Broadie

A nine-year-old girl has died after she was hit by a garbage truck near her home in Bonitto Heights Mandeville, Manchester this morning.

Dead is Amoya Moore, a Grade 4 student of Villa Road Primary School in the parish.

Reports are that at about 7:00 A.M., Amoya was walking down a hill when an object fell from a truck which was collecting solid waste in the area hitting her. 

Police say Amoya fell and the truck ran over her.

Principal of Villa Road Primary Brent James said the school community is saddened by the tragedy.

He said Amoya was a jovial and respectful student who was like a daughter to him.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, Rhoda Moy-Crawford said grief counselling support is being provided to students and staff.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has expressed profound sadness at the tragic incident.

In a statement this morning, the Authority confirmed that one of its compactor trucks assigned to SPM Waste Management Limited was involved in an incident, which resulted in the death of young Amoya.

The NSWMA extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the 9-year-old.