MENU
SEARCHJust days before Christmas, reports indicate, the 6-year-old boy disembarked from his bus after the last day of school before the holidays, walked around the front, and was killed when the bus accelerated.
A Missouri first-grader died Tuesday after he was struck by his school bus.
According to the state highway patrol, the 6-year-old boy disembarked from the 2000 Blue Bird bus after school in Plattin Township, about six miles south of Festus, and was killed after walking in front of the bus.
The bus was driven by Walter Dellenbaugh, 61.
Trooper Scott Roettger said during a press conference that “it’s difficult news to deal with, and certainly, it’s going to be hard for (the child’s parents) in the future.”
Fox2 Now reported that the boy attended Plattin Primary School in the Jefferson R-VII School District. Tuesday was the final day before Christmas break, with holiday parties and carols.
“This is a bad day,” said Superintendent Clint Johnston. “This is a bad day for our school. This is a bad day for our community. I’m hurt.”
On Wednesday, Plattin Primary School provided crisis counselors and comfort dogs. In a news release, Johnston wrote: "We ask our Blue Jay Nation to keep the family and friends of this student, as well as our district staff, in your thoughts and prayers."
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
Read More →
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Read More →
Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.
Read More →
A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.
Read More →
Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.
Read More →
The federal agency's proposed rulemaking would eliminate the requirement for school buses to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings if the warning device is not activated. The goal: to improve traffic flow and save costs. With new data released, public comment is open through April 27, 2026.
Read More →
