Executive Summary
- RSU 13 has officially decommissioned Bus #9 following a fatal accident involving a 12-year-old student in Rockland, Maine.
- The driver of the bus reportedly has a history of minor crashes and a 2015 OUI conviction.
- Maine law allowed the driver to petition for license reinstatement after one year with district support.
- Police stated the driver is not suspected of impairment during the fatal November 21 incident.
RSU 13 officials have officially decommissioned a school bus involved in a tragic accident that claimed the life of a 12-year-old student in Rockland, Maine, last month, amidst emerging details regarding the driver’s past traffic record. Superintendent John McDonald confirmed that the vehicle, identified as Bus #9, has been permanently removed from service following the November 21 fatality.
According to reports from WGME, the incident occurred at the intersection of Eliza Steele Drive and Broadway. Brayden Callahan, 12, had just disembarked from the bus when he was struck and killed by the same vehicle. In response to the tragedy, the school district has assigned a substitute driver and a temporary bus to cover the route previously served by the decommissioned vehicle.
Investigative details cited by local media indicate that the driver operating the bus at the time of the incident has a documented history of traffic infractions. Police reports reportedly show the driver was involved in a collision with a parked car in October of this year, with a similar incident involving a parked vehicle recorded in 2022.
Public records further reveal that the driver was convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) in 2015. Consequently, the driver’s school bus operator endorsement was suspended for three years. Under Maine state law, a driver may petition the Secretary of State for reinstatement after one year, provided they receive a recommendation from the school district’s superintendent. Reports indicate this petition was approved, allowing the driver to resume duties. Law enforcement officials have stated that the driver is not suspected of being under the influence during the fatal crash on November 21.
Regulatory Oversight and Safety Procedures
The decommissioning of the vehicle and the subsequent scrutiny of the driver’s record highlight significant concerns regarding transportation safety protocols and personnel vetting within the district. While the immediate removal of the bus serves as a procedural response to the fatality, the revelation of the driver’s prior OUI conviction and recent minor accidents raises questions about the risk assessment thresholds used during the reinstatement process. As the investigation continues, focus is likely to center on the effectiveness of current state laws allowing early reinstatement of endorsements and the internal oversight of driver performance histories. It is important to note that the investigation is ongoing, and all individuals involved are presumed innocent of any criminal negligence or charges until proven guilty in a court of law.
