Deer Flies Into School Bus In Morning Crash

Location: Cokesbury Road, south of Route 404, Seaford, Delaware, Sussex County

Date and Time: Monday, March 22, 2010, at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Vehicle: International School Bus, owned by Macklin Bus Service, transporting for Sussex Tech High School, operated by a 76-year-old Seaford man

Resume: Shortly after 8:00 a.m. this morning, Troopers were called to the area of Cokesbury Road, just south of Route 404 for a bus vs. deer crash.

This investigation revealed the bus was traveling northbound on Cokesbury Road when a deer crossed its path from the west side of the roadway. The bus struck the deer at which time the animal was projected up and through the front windshield. The deer ended up approximately five seats back in the center isle where it died.

The bus was transporting eleven (11) students. Two students, both girls, were transported from the scene to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. The nine (9) remaining students were released to their parents.

The driver, who did not wish his name released, was not injured.

Senior Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh said, "This was certainly a very dangerous and disturbing incident for anyone to have to watch, let alone school children. We are just very luckly no one was more seriousely hurt."