Delaware Aide Killed in School Bus Crash
The bus driver apparently fails to remain stopped at a stop sign and collides with a van, police say. Bus aide Barbara Atkins is taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.
FRANKFORD, Del. — A school bus aide here was killed when the bus she was riding collided with a van on Wednesday, police said.
At about 11:43 a.m., the school bus driver was traveling eastbound on Daisey Rd. and stopped at a stop sign at the intersection of Daisey Rd. and Dupont Blvd., according to a news release from the Delaware State Police. A van was traveling northbound on Dupont Blvd. in the right lane, approaching the intersection.
The bus driver apparently failed to remain stopped at the stop sign and pulled across the northbound lanes of Dupont Blvd. directly in front of the van, police said. The operator of the van swerved left in an effort to miss the bus, but was apparently unable to do so, and the front of the van struck the right side of the bus.
The bus driver was properly restrained and was uninjured. Seated on the right side of the bus was an aide, Barbara Atkins. Atkins was removed from the scene by emergency responders and taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Atkins was not wearing a seat belt, although one was available. The bus driver does not appear to have been impaired, according to police.
The operator of the van sustained minor injuries, and does not appear to have been impaired. He was also taken to the hospital, and was treated and released.
There were no students aboard the bus at the time, police told Delmarva Now.
Charges are pending as the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the incident.
More Safety

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes
The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.
Read More →
2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing
New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.
Read More →
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
