A Broward County Public Schools bus driver was struck and killed by a fellow bus driver Wednesday in Pompano Beach, officials said.
Read more Survivor ‘flung into the air’ during Miami cargo plane crash, new lawsuit says
The incident happened at around 5:30 a.m. at the bus depot on Northwest 18th Street, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
A bus driver was leaving the gas pumps and made a U-turn in his school bus to go through the parking lot, investigators said.
At the same time, another Broward bus driver, identified as 69-year-old Alfred Desmandes, crossed into the path of that bus and was struck, BSO said.
Paramedics transported Desmandes to Broward Health North Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He died the next day at the hospital.
The driver told investigators he didn’t see Desmandes walking across because the parking lot lights were not illuminated.
Read more Man accused of hitting driver with baseball bat during Miami-Dade road-rage incident
“The family’s upset, very upset, very upset,” said Lundy Accime, Desmandes’ cousin.
Investigators said excessive speed and impairment were not contributing factors in the crash, and it remains under investigation.
“I would like for the other driver to be held accountable at this point,” Accime said.
The driver will be reassigned from driving duties as the investigation continues, Broward County Public Schools officials said.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at the North Area Transportation Terminal on Wednesday, September 9,” Superintendent Howard Hepburn said in a statement. “District staff is cooperating fully with the Broward Sheriff’s Office on its investigation and crisis counselors are providing support to those grieving the loss of a beloved coworker. Our thoughts are with the individuals, families and loved ones affected by this devastating tragedy.”
Read more Hialeah mom accused of burning 10-year-old daughter, tying her to chair