1st grade student killed near Columbia school

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A first-grade student at a Columbia elementary school has been struck and killed by a pickup truck near the school.

Authorities say 7-year-old Joshua Brown was struck shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday. Police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons says he was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Witnesses said the boy was standing with a group of children at a street corner near Watkins-Nance Elementary School. Police do not know if the boy was trying to cross the street. He lived about a half-mile from the school.

Timmons says a school crossing guard said the truck was driven slowly through the school zone shortly before the accident.

No charges have been filed.

Psychologists, social workers and guidance counselors will be at the school to provide support for students.