Tragedy struck in eastern Louisiana when a young boy, awaiting his school bus, was fatally struck by his grandmother’s SUV, according to authorities.

The Slidell Police Department reported on Monday that Kristen Anders, 55, faces vehicular homicide charges following the incident involving her grandson. Officials suspect that Anders was under the influence at the time of the accident.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday at a home on the 300 block of Spartan Loop in Slidell, approximately 30 miles northeast of New Orleans. The 5-year-old was in his driveway, ready to board the school bus, when the “tragic” event unfolded.

Positioned in front of his grandmother’s 2016 GMC Yukon, a robust SUV parked in reverse, the boy was likely seated on the ground. Without warning, Anders moved the vehicle forward, tragically resulting in the child’s immediate death, police reported.

Authorities stated that Anders, on her way to work, was unaware of the child’s presence outside. She halted the SUV only after she “realized she had run over something.” Upon the officers’ arrival, they noted she displayed signs of impairment. Further investigation revealed she was “under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants.”

Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau called the case “very tragic,” noting that not only is a child dead, but his family member is charged with the killing. He believes it’s “very safe to say” Anders did not know the boy was in front of her vehicle.

“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Seuzeneau said. “This greatly affects all of us. We all have kids or grandkids around this age, the first responders who were there, and to witness this … so it’s hard for all of us.”

“I spoke with the victim’s mother several times today, and there isn’t anything that I can say to make her feel any better or make this situation better. All we can do is pray for peace,” the police chief added.

After the collision, a neighbor heard screams and cries for help and called 911, local Fox affiliate WVUE reported. The child was later identified as Carson Lawson. The investigation is ongoing.