School Bus Driver Involved in Bus-Train Crash Indicted
John Stevens of Texas is arrested and indicted for criminally negligent homicide and injury to a child in connection with a crash with a train in January that killed a student.
ATHENS, Texas — The school bus driver who was involved in a crash with a train here in January that killed a student has been arrested and indicted for criminally negligent homicide and injury to a child.
As SBF previously reported, on Jan. 25, John Stevens was driving his bus when he approached a railroad crossing and came to a stop, but then continued across the tracks directly in front of a westbound Union Pacific train, according to the Athens Police Department. The bus was impacted on its left side and became lodged on the locomotive. The train and bus then traveled about one-quarter of a mile down the track before coming to a stop at Murchison St. crossing.
Christopher Bonilla, 13, one of the two students aboard the bus, was ejected and died as a result of his injuries, police said. The other student on board, Joselyne Torres, 9, was trapped inside the bus, had to be extricated, and was critically injured. Stevens was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Although no automated arms or warning lights were in place at the crossing, crossbuck and yield signs were posted there, police said. A witness to the crash reported hearing the train’s horn as it approached the intersection.
The Athens Police Department released a report in February, as SBF previously reported, that states that Stevens stopped right before the tracks as state law requires, and then pulled forward. It was at that point that the bus was struck by the train. The report was sent to the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, according to KETK.
Stevens was arrested on Monday, CBS DFW reports. He was charged by two separate indictments by a grand jury, according to a statement, obtained by KLTV, from District Attorney Mark Hall’s Office. The charges are listed as injury to a child causing serious bodily injury and manslaughter/criminally negligent homicide, according to the statement. An arraignment date has not been set yet.
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 →
