The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a tractor and a school bus that occurred yesterday morning in New Castle that left one man dead.
On September 16, 2024, at approximately 8:18 a.m., a Blue Bird school bus was traveling in the left lane of South Dupont Highway northbound, south of Federal School Lane in New Castle. At the same time, a John Deere tractor was traveling on the right shoulder of South Dupont Highway northbound, south of Federal School Lane. The preliminary investigation revealed that the tractor entered the school bus’s path of travel as it made a left turn from the shoulder and attempted to cross the northbound lanes of South Dupont Highway towards a crossover. As a result, the school bus struck the tractor, and the tractor’s operator was ejected.
The operator of the tractor, an 85-year-old man, from New Castle, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified.
The driver of the school bus, a 55-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. A 56-year-old female passenger on the school bus was also taken by ambulance to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The school bus was transporting 7 George Read Middle School students, all of whom were seat belted, and were not injured.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Corporal D. McKenna by calling 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.