HEARTBREAKING: 12-YEAR-OLD SOPHIA AITKEN KILLED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY DOUBLE-DECKER BUS — HER FAMILY SAYS “A LIGHT HAS GONE OUT, AND IT WILL NEVER RETURN”

A Scottish community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 12-year-old schoolgirl who died after being struck by a double-decker bus during the school lunch break.

Sophia Aitken, a pupil at Kilwinning Academy in North Ayrshire, lost her life following a collision on Lauchlan Way in Kilwinning on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a collision involving a female pedestrian and a bus shortly after 1 p.m.

Despite the efforts of specialist emergency crews, Sophia was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death has devastated her family, classmates and the wider community, with tributes describing a young girl remembered for her bright smile, vibrant personality and kindness.

EMERGENCY CREWS RUSHED TO THE SCENE

Police Scotland received a report of the collision at approximately 1:10 p.m. on November 3.

The incident involved Sophia, who was walking along Lauchlan Way, and a Stagecoach double-decker bus.

The Scottish Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances, two Special Operations Response Teams and a specialist critical care team.

Police officers also arrived and closed the road while investigators examined the scene.

Sadly, Sophia could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the location.

Police confirmed that no other injuries were reported.

Lauchlan Way remained closed for several hours as officers carried out their investigation. The bus was later removed from the scene by a recovery vehicle.

The collision reportedly happened during the school lunch break, when pupils and other members of the public were in the surrounding area.

One local parent told The Sun that their son had been nearby when the incident happened.

“My son was heading for his lunch from school and heard it happen. He heard screams.”

The parent added that people nearby had been left deeply distressed.

HER FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

Following the tragedy, Sophia’s family released a deeply emotional statement through Police Scotland.

They described the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and the enormous impact her death has had on everyone who knew her.

“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.”

Those words have resonated with many people across the community.

For her family, Sophia was not simply a name in a police report. She was their cherished daughter, a young girl whose life was filled with potential and whose absence has left an immeasurable gap.

SCHOOL REMEMBERS SOPHIA AS A GIRL WITH A BRIGHT SMILE

Kilwinning Academy also paid tribute to its much-loved pupil.

In a statement released through North Ayrshire Council, the school community described Sophia as a popular and well-liked member of the school.

She was remembered for her “bright smile, vibrant personality and helpful nature.”

The statement continued:

“The wider school community is devastated by her loss.”

The council also confirmed that support and guidance would be made available to staff and pupils affected by the tragedy in the coming days, weeks and months.

For Sophia’s classmates and teachers, returning to school without her will be an incredibly difficult experience.

The school asked for the family’s privacy to be respected and confirmed that no further personal details would be released while the investigation continued.

POLICE CONTINUE INVESTIGATING THE FATAL COLLISION

Police Scotland is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sophia’s death.

Sergeant Stewart Taylor said officers’ thoughts were first and foremost with Sophia’s family and friends, as well as everyone affected by the collision.

He also acknowledged that many people were in the area at the time and thanked witnesses who had already come forward.

Police are particularly interested in obtaining any relevant dashcam footage that could help establish exactly what happened.

Anyone with information or footage that has not yet been provided to investigators is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1484 of November 3, 2026.

Stagecoach, the operator of the bus involved, also expressed its condolences.

Fiona Doherty, Regional Director for Stagecoach Scotland, said the company’s immediate thoughts were with Sophia’s family and everyone affected by the accident.

The company confirmed it was supporting the employees directly involved and cooperating with Police Scotland’s investigation.

No final explanation of the circumstances surrounding the collision has been announced.

A COMMUNITY LEFT GRIEVING

Flowers and tributes were left near the scene as residents struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of such a young life.

Local councillor Joe Cullinane described the incident as tragic and extended his thoughts to Sophia’s family and friends.

Other residents spoke of the shock felt throughout Kilwinning.

One local described the tragedy as every parent’s worst nightmare, saying the community would need time to recover.

The loss has affected far more than one family. It has touched classmates, teachers, neighbours, witnesses and everyone who knew the young girl.

At just 12 years old, Sophia had so much of life still ahead of her.

Her family’s words will remain a powerful reminder of the person they loved and the memories they will carry forever.

“She was a ray of sunshine.”

And although Sophia’s life was tragically cut short, the love surrounding her and the memories she left behind will remain with those who knew her.

Rest in peace, Sophia Aitken.