News Summary
A construction worker tragically lost his life after being struck by a school bus in Kokomo, Indiana. The victim was directing traffic during an accident involving a school bus and a pickup truck. Fortunately, the bus was carrying children who were unharmed. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities work to gather more information and emphasize the importance of safety in construction zones.
Kokomo, Indiana – A construction worker tragically lost his life after being struck by a school bus on October 6, 2023. The victim, 31-year-old Aaron Esparza from Logansport, was directing traffic in a construction zone when the accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 22 and County Road 400 East, east of Kokomo.
At the time of the incident, an 35-year-old woman from Kokomo, identified as Tara D. Lopez, was driving the school bus that was heading northbound on County Road 400 East. As the bus crossed State Road 22, it was hit on the driver’s side by a gray 2008 Dodge Ram truck. The truck, driven by 72-year-old Rolland Brent Mcquiston from Windfall, Indiana, was traveling eastbound on State Road 22 at the time of the collision.
The impact of the crash caused the school bus to strike Esparza, who was working in the construction zone. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene, as confirmed by the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Fortunately, the school bus was carrying eight children from the Northwestern School Corporation at the time of the accident, but none of the children were harmed. Lopez, the bus driver, suffered minor injuries and received treatment on-site.
Indiana State Police have reported that there is no evidence to suggest that alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with local law enforcement and emergency responders working together to gather further details.
The Northwestern School Corporation has expressed profound sadness regarding this unfortunate event. They extended their condolences to Esparza’s family and announced that counseling services will be made available to students and staff who may be affected by the tragedy. The school district is fully cooperating with the investigation underway.
This shocking event raises concerns about safety in construction zones, particularly when it comes to the presence of children during school bus transportation. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution in work zones to prevent future tragedies.
In the wake of the accident, community members have also expressed their sorrow over the loss of Esparza, who was known for his dedication to his work. Local officials are urging drivers to be more cautious when navigating regions where construction is taking place and to always be mindful of workers directing traffic.
As more information becomes available, updates regarding the investigation into the circumstances of the crash will be shared. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or may have additional information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
This incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures in construction zones and the significant impact of traffic accidents on communities. The loss of a dedicated worker like Esparza is felt deeply not just by his family and friends but also the entire Kokomo area.
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Additional Resources
- WTHR
- Wikipedia: Kokomo, Indiana
- WISH-TV
- Google Search: construction worker accident Kokomo
- Fox 59
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indiana
- WRTV
- Google News: Kokomo accidents
- Fox 59: Woman Hit by Car
- Kokomo Lantern
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
