RUSHVILLE, IL – The community of Rushville, Illinois, is devastated after a collision involving a school bus and a semi-truck killed five people, including three young children. The accident occurred Monday at 11:30 a.m. on U.S. Route 24, leaving the small town in mourning and raising questions about road safety for our most vulnerable citizens.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragedy,” – Mike Bonamarte, Managing Partner
The Illinois State Police reported that the Schuyler-Industry Schools bus veered across the center line “for an unknown reason” and collided with an oncoming semi-truck carrying sand. Tragically, both vehicles caught fire, leading to a horrific scene and an unthinkable loss for the community.
Among the victims were two 3-year-old boys, Andrew Miller and Noah Driscoll, and a 5-year-old girl, Maria Miller, all residents of Rushville. The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as Angela Spiker, 57, from Rushville, and David Coufal, 72, from Browning. The Schuyler County Coroner is in the process of conducting autopsies to further investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the Schuyler-Industry Schools have canceled classes, acknowledging the profound loss for staff and students.
The National Transportation Safety Board and state police are investigating the cause of the accident. This tragic event highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of transportation safety standards, especially those applying to school buses.
At Levin & Perconti, we understand the profound impact of such tragedies on families and communities. Our team is dedicated to advocating for enhanced road safety measures to ensure the well-being of all Illinois residents.
If you or a loved one have been affected by this incident or similar situations, Levin & Perconti is here to support you. For more information, please contact us at 312-332-2872. Our thoughts remain with the victims’ families and all those touched by this tragic event as we collectively seek to heal and prevent future tragedies.
[Source: Two 3-year-olds, 5-year-old among several killed in western Illinois school bus crash]
