Newark, DE (October 25, 2025) – A fatal school bus accident occurred on Thursday morning, October 23, at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School in Newark, resulting in the death of a 54-year-old bus driver from Wilmington. The tragic incident took place at approximately 7:00 a.m. when an IC 300 school bus parked in the drop-off lane was struck by another bus on school grounds.
According to reports from the Delaware State Police, the second bus, driven by a 54-year-old woman from New Castle, drifted forward for reasons that have not yet been determined. The collision caused fatal injuries to the parked bus driver. The victim has been identified by family members as a 54-year-old Wilmington resident.
Both buses were carrying students at the time of the incident. Authorities confirmed that 48 students were on board but did not sustain any injuries. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, and school administrators coordinated with first responders to ensure the safety and care of all students present.
The school’s parking area remained closed for approximately four hours as investigators examined the scene and crews worked to clear the area. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently leading the investigation into the crash. Officials are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the collision to contact their office.
The exact cause of why the second bus moved forward unexpectedly has not yet been confirmed. Authorities continue to review evidence and interview witnesses to determine the factors that led to the incident.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the driver who lost their life in this tragic event.
School Bus Accidents in Delaware
School bus collisions are rare but can result in devastating consequences for drivers, students, and the surrounding community. Delaware law requires school bus operators to follow strict safety procedures when loading and unloading students, but mechanical issues, driver inattention, or other unforeseen factors can sometimes lead to serious crashes.
Each year, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety records multiple school-related traffic incidents across the state. Many of these accidents occur during early morning or afternoon hours when visibility and traffic congestion are at their peak. Even low-speed impacts can cause significant harm due to the size and weight of school buses.
When a fatality occurs in a school transportation crash, investigators focus on several aspects—vehicle condition, driver health, and adherence to safety regulations—to determine liability and prevent future occurrences. Families affected by such incidents may seek legal assistance to understand their rights and pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
At Murphy & Landon, our experienced wrongful death lawyers are dedicated to helping families recover after losing a loved one in a preventable accident. Our legal team conducts thorough investigations, works with experts, and advocates for accountability when negligence or equipment failure is involved.
If your family has been impacted by a fatal crash in Newark or anywhere in Delaware, contact Murphy & Landon today at (302)-472-8100 for a free consultation. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice and closure during this difficult time.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Please contact Murphy & Landon if you find any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
