HEARTBREAK IN SCOTLAND: 12-YEAR-OLD SOPHIA AITKEN diᩚєs AFTER BEING STRUCK BY DOUBLE-DECKER BUS DURING SCHOOL LUNCH BREAK

A Scottish community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 12-year-old schoolgirl who died after being struck by a double-decker bus in broad daylight.

The tragic collision happened on Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, at approximately 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a collision involving a bus and a young female pedestrian. The response included two ambulances, two Special Operations Response Teams and a ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal care team.

Police officers cordoned off the area as emergency crews attended and investigators began examining what had happened.

Despite the efforts at the scene, the girl was pronounced dead. Police confirmed that no other injuries were reported.

The victim was later identified as Sophia Aitken, a 12-year-old pupil at Kilwinning Academy.

HER FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

In a statement released through Police Scotland, Sophia’s family expressed their devastation at losing their daughter.

They said:

“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.

“A light has gone out, and it will never return.

“We are comforted by the messages from the community. We would like to ask for privacy to grieve at this difficult time.”

Their words have touched people across the community, as friends, neighbours and others share messages of sympathy for the family.

A SCHOOL COMMUNITY LEFT DEVASTATED

Sophia’s dєatᩚh has also left her school community grieving.

Kilwinning Academy remembered her as a popular and well-liked pupil, known for her bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said the wider school community was devastated by the loss.

The council added that support and guidance would be made available to pupils and staff who needed help during the difficult days and weeks ahead.

Floral tributes were also left near the scene as people came to pay their respects.

POLICE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Police Scotland confirmed that the collision involved a 12-year-old female pedestrian and a bus.

The road was closed for several hours while officers carried out their investigation before reopening.

Sergeant Stewart Taylor said:

“Our thoughts first and foremost are with Sophia’s family and friends, and everyone affected by this 𝔠r𝘢sh.”

He also thanked witnesses who had come forward and appealed for anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact investigators.

Police have stressed that enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1484 of November 3, 2026.

For Sophia’s family, the loss is immeasurable. A young girl remembered for her bright smile and kind nature is gone, leaving behind loved ones and a school community struggling to come to terms with an unimaginable tᩚraɢedy.

Rest in peace, Sophia.