Sleeping driver crashes into bus
Staff writer
A driver fell asleep before crossing the center line and striking a Centre school bus carrying students Feb. 25.
The crash occurred at 7:15 a.m. on 340th Street just east of Sunflower Road, about three miles west of Lost Springs. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported a 2005 Dodge Ram traveling westbound crossed into the eastbound lane after the driver fell asleep. The bus driver stopped the bus and attempted to alert the oncoming vehicle, but the truck still struck the school bus head-on.
The pickup was driven by Michael T. Walsh, 75, of Lost Springs. He was not wearing a seat belt and was transported to St. Luke Hospital with suspected serious injuries.
The bus was driven by James L. Beeson, 79, of Paola. He was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.
Seven students were on the bus. One student was reported to have a possible injury but was not transported to a hospital.
Beeson was credited for his actions that limited the severity of the crash, USD 397 Superintendent Dan Ackland said.
“He should be commended for his decision-making in that situation,” Ackland said.
All students and the driver were medically cleared at the scene. Students were transported to school on a separate bus after parents were notified and given options for pickup or continued transportation.
“By and large, they chose to just have us transport them to school,” Ackland said.
The district followed up with students and families throughout the day and continued to provide support as needed.
Ackland personally checked in with students and followed up with parents throughout the day.
While the district will review its response, Ackland said no major safety changes are expected. However, minor adjustments, such as having student contact information more readily accessible, could improve response time.
“We don’t know that there’s anything we need to change,” he said.