A tragic accident today took the lives of 2 people and injured 12 others. A school bus driver failed to yield at a railroad crossing and was hit by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight train, according to the North Dakota State Patrol. The bus driver and a 17-year-old student died. Three of the students were critically injured.
The bus accident happened today on a gravel road near Larimore, North Dakota, and about 30 miles west of Grand Forks. The bus was from the Larimore Public School District.
“This is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, and the families of those who were injured or killed are going to need answers. Right now the most important thing is to make sure that all of the evidence is uncovered and preserved so that the families can get the answers they deserve,” said attorney Eric Hageman, who represents bus accident victims and their families.
The school bus was heading north on a county road. When it approached the railroad crossing, it did not stop. The bus was hit on the passenger side by a westbound BNSF freight train.
A school bus driver is charged under the law to take extra precautions. The safety of the children is of utmost importance, and if a child is injured or killed, the family may have the right to sue the driver, school district and company that owns the bus and/or employs the driver.
