The New Philadelphia State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash involving a Brown Local School Bus that occurred on Wednesday, May 22 at 3:25 p.m. on State Route 43, just south of State Route 183.
The crash took place when a school bus traveling south on SR43 rear-ended a stopped 2019 Ford F-150. The bus driver, Constance J. Didio-Guist, 62, of Malvern, told troopers that she looked into the rear-view mirror to check on the nine students, aged 6 to 11, who were on board. When she looked back at the road, the vehicle ahead of her was stopped, resulting in the collision.
One student was transported to Mercy Hospital with minor injuries by EMTs. The driver of the Ford F-150, a 30-year-old man from Canton, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Aultman Hospital by Great Trail Fire.
Didio-Guist was not injured in the crash but was cited for failing to stop within an assured clear distance. The parents and guardians of the students were promptly notified of the incident by Brown Local School staff.
“We will follow up with families to ensure everyone gets the necessary care and support they need,” Brown Local Superintendent Mark Scott said in a statement to parents. “We would also like to thank local emergency services for their outstanding care throughout the entire process.”
The investigation is ongoing.
