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SEARCHA pickup truck driver reportedly swerved right to avoid the School District of Reedsburg bus, but still sideswiped it before going over a driveway and striking a student.
An initial investigation into the fatal crash involving a School District of Reedsburg student indicated a pickup truck driver behind the bus did not slow down in time when the bus stopped to pick up the student.
Photo: School District of Reedsburg
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the Excelsior, Wisconsin, crash that resulted in the death of a 13-year-old. WMTV reported that Evelyn Gurney was boarding a School District of Reedsburg school bus when a pickup truck hit her on May 12.
The NTSB announced on Twitter that it will conduct a safety investigation along with the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office. NTSB investigators were expected to arrive to Wisconsin on May 14.
NTSB, in coordination with Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting a safety investigation into the May 12 crash involving a Ford F-150 pickup that struck a school bus, and struck and fatally injured a student about to board the school bus near Excelsior, Sauk County, WI.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) May 14, 2023
An initial investigation determined Gurney had not yet boarded the stopped bus when a pickup truck came up behind the bus and did not slow down in time. The truck reportedly swerved right to avoid the bus, but still sideswiped it before going over a driveway and striking Gurney.
The sheriff's office reported that first responders attempted lifesaving measures on the teen, but she died at the scene.The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries.
None of the students onboard the bus at the time suffered any injuries. Those students were taken to Webb Middle School after the wreck to be reuinted with their families. The district reported to WMTV that its student services team went to the school as well, and was also available the following day for students who needed support. All district high school athletic events were canceled for the weekend.
The NTSB's report is expected in three weeks.
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