NEW CASTLE, Del. — The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a tractor and a school bus that occurred Monday morning in New Castle, leaving one man dead.
The crash took place around 8:18 a.m. on South Dupont Highway near Federal School Lane. Authorities say the tractor, a John Deere model, was traveling on the right shoulder of the highway when it attempted to cross into the northbound lanes, colliding with a Blue Bird school bus traveling in the left lane.
The 85-year-old tractor operator, a New Castle resident, was ejected from his vehicle upon impact. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officials are withholding his identity pending notification of his family.
The school bus driver, a 55-year-old woman, and a 56-year-old female passenger were both treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The bus was carrying seven students from George Read Middle School, none of whom were injured.
The highway was closed for about three hours as police conducted an investigation and cleared the scene.
