A truck driver has been arrested on a homicide charge after an 18-wheeler struck and killed a 15-year-old boy Thursday afternoon. The teen had just stepped off his school bus onto an eastern Texas highway when the crash happened.

The Texas Department of Public Safety told USA TODAY the fatal crash took place about 4:15 p.m on U.S. Highway 59 just north of Livingston.

The town is in Polk County about 70 miles northeast of Houston.

According to a preliminary crash investigation from DPS, a Livingston Independent School District bus was stopped northbound in the outside lane with its flashing red lights and stop sign extended to offload a child.

Behind the bus, DPS said, a 28-year-old woman sat behind the wheel of a Toyota car. According to investigators, a truck tractor semi-trailer traveling north along the highway struck the rear of the car and then veered right, where the semi struck the child in a driveway. 

The child was pronounced dead at the scene, DPS reported.

Neither the driver of the Toyota, identified as a Lufkin resident, nor the semi driver, were injured. 

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Truck driver charged with homicide

The truck driver, identified as 41-year-old Gregory Jackson of Texarkana, was arrested on a felony criminal negligent homicide charge and transported to the Polk County Jail. 

Polk County Sheriff's Office jail records show Jackson remained jailed on $250,000 bond Friday.

It was not immediately known if Jackson had obtained an attorney.

As if Friday, DPS said the crash remained under investigation.

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'How fragile each life is'

According to the Livingston Independent School District's Facebook page, the school community was grieving Friday.

"At times like this, we are reminded how precious life can be and how fragile each life truly is," the district posted. "It is sad when our district loses a member of its family... We extend our thoughts and sincere condolences to family and friends."

District officials wrote counselors would be on hand Friday morning for students and staff.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.