5-Year-Old Jacksonville Girl Put on Wrong School Bus, Dropped 2 Miles Away Before Being Found Safe

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 5-year-old girl from Jacksonville is safely back home with her family after being put on the wrong school bus and dropped off miles away from her usual stop, sparking panic and a community effort to locate her.

The child, identified as Brielle, was mistakenly placed on the wrong bus after school this week. The bus driver reportedly dropped her off nearly two miles away from her designated stop — leaving the young girl lost and frightened in an unfamiliar neighborhood.

When her father arrived at the regular stop and couldn’t find her, he immediately called the school. However, his repeated calls reportedly went unanswered. That’s when a group of older children noticed Brielle’s distress and decided to help.

Strangers Step In to Help

According to CBS47 Action News Jax, several local children saw Brielle standing alone, scared and unsure where to go. They approached a nearby woman and asked if she was the girl’s mother. Though she wasn’t, the woman quickly stepped in to help.

The woman, later identified as Stephanie Nicole, took Brielle’s photo and posted it on Facebook with a caption asking for help identifying her parents.

“She’s lost. She got on the wrong bus… Do anyone know her parents?” the post read.

The Facebook post quickly spread across Jacksonville, receiving thousands of reactions and hundreds of shares within hours. Thanks to the community’s swift action, Brielle was safely reunited with her family.

School District Responds

After the story gained attention online, school officials confirmed that the incident is under investigation. The district has not yet shared how the mix-up occurred or why no one responded to the father’s calls during the critical moments after dismissal.

“We are deeply concerned about this situation and are conducting a full review of our bus procedures,” the district said in a statement. “The safety of our students is our top priority.”

Community Praise for Good Samaritans

Local residents have since praised the children and the woman who helped reunite Brielle with her family. Many said the incident highlights the importance of community awareness and social media’s role in emergencies.

“Those kids and that woman are heroes,” one Facebook user commented. “They didn’t have to get involved, but they did — and it made all the difference.”

The Facebook post by Stephanie Nicole has since garnered over 3,000 reactions and more than 300 shares, with hundreds of people commenting their relief that Brielle made it home safe.

A Scary Reminder for Parents

The ordeal serves as a frightening reminder for many parents about the risks of communication breakdowns between schools and families. Experts say that while transportation mix-ups are rare, they can have dangerous consequences for young children.

In this case, community vigilance — and one woman’s quick thinking — prevented what could have been a far worse outcome.

“It was scary,” said a family friend who spoke with local media. “But it’s heartwarming to see how people came together for a child they didn’t even know.”

Would you have stepped in if you saw a lost child like Brielle? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at NapervilleLocal.com.