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.
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.
More Safety

What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
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 →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
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 →
2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck
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 →
School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades
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 →
Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators
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 →
Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders
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 →
NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety
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 →
'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders
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 →
No Train, No Stop? FMCSA Considers Rule Change for School Buses
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 →
