An accident on Hance Road in Fair Haven today involving a Knollwood school student and a vehicle prompted a flood of social media speculation and commentary.

While school officials and emergency response authorities said they are cognizant that all in the community are concerned, the comments generated on Facebook caused too much of a stir and a spread of misinformation before the facts are available from the proper sources.

They asked that residents exercise restraint and cease commenting on the matter and wait for a formal statement with factual information from the authorities involved. That, they said, will come soon.

The following is the message from Fair Haven Board of Education President Bennett Coleman that was circulated on Thursday afternoon …

“On behalf of Superintendent Sean McNeil:

The District is aware of the accident that took place this afternoon involving a Knollwood Student. Mr. McNeil and Chief McGovern are currently at the hospital with the young man and his family.

A more formal message to the community is forthcoming, but as you can understand, the priority now is with the student and his parents.

Out of respect for the child and his family, Superintendent McNeil requests our community please refrain from any additional social media commentary on this matter.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers, and thank you our police and EMS who responded to the scene. More information will be forthcoming.”