SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

School bus driver killed in crash with SUV

The bus driver was traveling westbound on a highway when the SUV, which was traveling eastbound, drifted into the westbound lane and collided head-on with the bus; both vehicles then caught fire. The driver and passenger in the SUV also died in the accident.

September 13, 2010
1 min to read


CIRCLE, Mont. — A bus driver was among the individuals killed in an accident last Wednesday involving a school bus and a Ford Explorer Sport Trac SUV.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Nyle Obergfell told the Billings Gazette that the SUV was traveling eastbound on a highway and the school bus was in the westbound lane.

“It looks like the Explorer for some reason drifted over into the westbound lane and collided head-on with the bus,” Obergfell said.

Both vehicles caught fire. The school bus driver, who worked for Circle School District 1, was killed, along with the male driver and female passenger of the SUV. There were no children on board the bus.

Don Whitmus came across the crash while driving toward Billings, Mont. Whitmus tried to get inside the bus, but the flames were too intense, the Billings Gazette reports. A nearby resident then arrived and tried to get to the bus driver out of the vehicle through its rear emergency exit, Whitmus told the newspaper, but the heavy smoke drove him back.

More Management

professional headshot of kris laseter against a gradient orange background, the pathwise logo, and text that says "leadership update"
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 5, 2026

Pathwise Promotes Kris Laseter to President and COO

As the software company caps a year of record growth, the promotion recognizes Laseter's impact with doubled revenue and two large district partnerships.

Read More →
An orange and yellow graphic with an EverDriven logo and text reading "updated VIP App With Real-Time Student Transportation Tracking."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMarch 4, 2026

EverDriven Updates VIP App With Real-Time Student Transportation Tracking

The redesigned app gives parents and school districts real-time trip tracking, multilingual access, and improved communication tools.

Read More →
A colorful graphic with 4 portraits and text reading "4 Women to Watch in School Transportation."
Managementby Elora HaynesMarch 4, 2026

4 Women Leading School Transportation Forward

Careers aren’t linear. Neither is progress. These women share what it really takes to lead in school transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Attendees visit the AMF Bruns vendor booth in the expo hall, examining a wheelchair securement device while speaking with an exhibitor about safety equipment.
Managementby Amanda HuggettMarch 3, 2026

Innovation & Inspiration in Burbank: CASTO 2026 Photo Highlights

Take a peek at key moments and top takeaways from the 58th California state transportation association’s annual conference, from session highlights, snapshots from vendors, and interactive activities.

Read More →
Promo graphic for the 18th National Congress on School Transportation, featuring a conference audience background and text reading “May 4–6, 2029, St. Louis, Missouri,” alongside the NCST logo.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 3, 2026

NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees

The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss updated guidance.

Read More →
school bus driver
SponsoredMarch 2, 2026

7 Key Criteria for Choosing a School Bus Fleet Technology Partner

Download this white paper for clear guidance on evaluating your organization’s needs and selecting a partner who delivers long-term value.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An orange graphic with text reading "2026 Conference Highlights: SBF On the Scene at CASTO."
Managementby StaffMarch 2, 2026

The Best of CASTO 2026: Key Moments in Video

Take a quick tour of the 58th annual California Association of School Transportation Officials annual conference in this video of just some of the high-energy highlights.

Read More →
Graphic of a yellow school bus above the headline “The Real Cost of Downtime,” with icons illustrating overtime costs, frustrated parents and administrators, repair expenses, and route delays, emphasizing the operational and financial impact of communication failures in school transportation fleets.
SponsoredMarch 2, 2026

The Real Cost of Bus Fleet Downtime

When school bus communication systems fail, the consequences extend far beyond equipment repairs. Downtime can increase safety risks, strain dispatch operations, and erode driver confidence. Explore how proactive radio lifecycle management and managed services are reducing disruptions, supporting driver retention, and delivering predictable budgeting for school transportation fleets.

Read More →
a collage of four photos with an orange transparent background overlay and text on top that reads "Meet the editor Amanda Huggett" with the school bus fleet logo
Managementby StaffFebruary 26, 2026

Meet Amanda Huggett: The Editor Behind School Bus Fleet

Take a peek behind the curtain in this "get to know you" video. School Bus Fleet's editor shares her personal story and passion for her work, plus a personal request for readers and viewers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
HopSkipDrive driver in an orange shirt smiles at a seat-belted student riding in the back seat of a car.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 26, 2026

HopSkipDrive Announces Service Enhancements, Driver Support Successes

HopSkipDrive highlights its routing improvements for better on-time performance, as well as its focus on trained CareDrivers and consistent, supportive transportation for students with specialized needs.

Read More →