News Summary
A tragic accident occurred near Kokomo, Indiana, where a construction worker was killed after being hit by a school bus. The incident involved a worker managing traffic in a construction zone and was caused by a vehicle collision. Fortunately, none of the school children on board were injured. The community is mourning the loss as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Kokomo, Indiana — Construction Worker Killed After Being Hit by School Bus
Kokomo, Indiana — A construction worker was tragically killed on October 6, 2023, after being struck by a school bus near Kokomo. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 22 and County Road 400 East, located east of Kokomo.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, 38-year-old Aaron Esparza of Logansport was working in a construction zone where he was directing traffic when the accident occurred. Esparza was standing at the intersection, managing vehicle flow in the area designated for roadwork, when he was struck by a passing vehicle.
The vehicle involved was a 2008 gray Dodge Ram truck, driven eastbound on State Road 22 by 72-year-old Rolland Brent Mcquiston from Windfall, Indiana. As the school bus, operated by 35-year-old Tara D. Lopez of Kokomo, crossed State Road 22 heading north on County Road 400 East, it was hit on the driver’s side by the Dodge Ram, causing the bus to make contact with Esparza.
The crash resulted in Esparza’s death at the scene, with the Howard County Coroner’s Office confirming the fatality. The collision also caused the bus to strike Esparza, who was standing near the traffic control area. Emergency responders arrived promptly and confirmed his death upon arrival.
Impact on Schoolchildren and Response
The school bus was transporting eight children from the Northwestern School Corporation at the time of the crash. Fortunately, none of the children sustained injuries. The bus driver, Tara Lopez, was treated at the scene for minor injuries related to the accident, but she remained conscious and alert throughout.
Indiana State Police conducted an immediate investigation into the crash. Officials reported that there was no evidence to suggest that alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident. All parties involved are currently cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Reactions and Support
The Northwestern School Corporation expressed profound sadness over the loss of Esparza and extended sympathies to his family. The district announced that counseling services would be made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The incident has prompted a response from community leaders, who emphasized the importance of safety during construction activities and the significance of accident prevention.
Background and Context
This incident highlights the dangers present in construction zones, especially those involving traffic management. Construction workers often perform critical roles overseeing traffic flow and ensuring safety, but they face risks from passing vehicles. Authorities emphasize the importance of driver alertness and adherence to speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly in areas with active construction work.
In Indiana, such accidents prompt review and sometimes reinforcement of traffic safety measures. The collision involving the school bus and construction worker underscores the need for ongoing safety awareness for drivers and workers alike in busy road areas.
Next Steps
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash. They are examining vehicle speeds, traffic signals, and witness statements to determine if any traffic violations contributed to the incident. Charges or further legal actions may follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The community mourns the loss of Aaron Esparza, whose death serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by construction workers and the importance of cautious driving near active work zones.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
