NTSB Launches Urgent Investigation into Standish School Bus Crash
UPDATE: Federal authorities have just announced a comprehensive investigation into the tragic school bus crash in Standish, Maine, that claimed the life of five-year-old Simon Gonzalez. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will deploy a team of seven investigators to the scene beginning Friday, as they work alongside the Maine State Police and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred earlier this week on Tuesday, near 437 Northeast Road, just half a mile from Edna Libby Elementary School. Simon, a kindergarten student, is the second child in Maine to be fatally struck by a school bus within a month, following the death of 12-year-old Brayden Callahan on November 21 in Rockland.
The NTSB has stated that their investigation aims to uncover potential “system-wide safety issues” that could have nationwide implications. They emphasized that school bus safety is a critical concern, reiterating their commitment to improving road safety for all.
State Senator Jim Libby, whose district includes Standish, confirmed that he was informed by the NTSB of their investigation on Wednesday night. He expressed that this incident raises many questions, stating, “There are definitely questions, as there are always questions when an accident like this happens.”
The driver involved, identified as 64-year-old Lori Ann Merrifield, has not been charged as investigations continue. The NTSB clarified that their focus will be strictly on transportation safety and determining probable cause, not criminal activity.
With investigations typically spanning 12 to 24 months, the NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report within the next 30 days, providing initial findings that could shed light on this devastating incident.
As this story develops, local authorities are gathering information, and the community remains in mourning for Simon Gonzalez. The tragic loss of a young life on a school bus serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in transportation, particularly for vulnerable children.
Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation unfolds.
