Overview
- Simon Gonzalez, 5, was struck just before 8 a.m. on Route 35 near Edna Libby Elementary and died at the scene, officials said.
- The driver was identified as Lori Ann Merrifield, 64; the MSAD 6 bus was impounded, and one student on board was the victim’s half-brother, according to the sheriff.
- The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police crash and commercial-vehicle units are leading the criminal-safety probe alongside the NTSB’s safety review.
- Bonny Eagle Schools dismissed students early, canceled activities, provided counselors, put employees on administrative leave per protocol, and resumed classes at Edna Libby on Thursday with added staff riding bus routes.
- State data show 27 MSAD 6 bus crashes since 2016 with drivers at fault in more than half, and lawmakers are drafting a bill to require installation and use of front control arms on all school buses statewide.