A SCHOOLGIRL who tragically died after being struck by a bus on a busy road has been named.
Sophia Aitken, 12, lost her life when she was knocked down by a double-decker on Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, at lunchtime on Tuesday.
Her heartbroken family paid tribute to the schoolgirl today saying: “We are devastated at the loss of our darling daughter Sophia.
“She was a ray of sunshine, and was loved by everyone who knew her.
“We are comforted by the messages from the community. We would like to ask for privacy to grieve at this difficult time.”
Police are still investigating the circumstances and say enquiries into the crash are ongoing.
Sergeant Stewart Taylor said: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with Sophia’s family and friends, and everyone affected by this crash.
“We know there were a lot of people out in the area at the time of this crash, and I’d like to thank those witnesses who have come forward in support of our inquiries, along with those who assisted at the scene.
“This incident will be felt by the local community and our investigation continues to establish what happened.
“If you have any relevant dashcam footage or information that has not already been provided to officers, please contact us as soon as possible.”
Paramedics and cops raced to the scene after the alarm was raised at 1.08pm on Tuesday.
Officers locked down the town centre street and two ambulances, as well as a two special operations response teams and a specialist critical care team, were dispatched.
But tragically, the youngster could not be saved and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Nobody else was hurt and cops launched an investigation following the horror incident.
Lauchlan Way was closed to traffic for eight hours and reopened to motorists around 9pm on Tuesday.
The Stagecoach double-decker was towed away from the scene by a recovery truck.
The schoolgirl’s death has shocked residents in the small town.
Kilwinning councillor Joe Cullinane told The Scottish Sun: “It’s a tragic incident and all of our thoughts are with the family and friends.”
A parent from Kilwinning Academy said: “My son was heading for his lunch from school and heard it happen. He heard screams.
“I think everyone standing nearby got a fright and was left traumatised. It’s just terrible.”
Another local added: “It’s literally your worst nightmare come true as a parent. You just can’t imagine getting that call.
“As a community we are in shock. It will take a lot to get over this.”
Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries into the fatal crash.
Those with information should call Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 1484 of 3 November 2026.
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