News Summary
A tragic accident occurred near Kokomo, Indiana, resulting in the death of a construction worker who was struck by a school bus while directing traffic. The incident happened at a busy intersection where a 31-year-old worker was hit. Fortunately, none of the eight children on the bus were harmed, but the bus driver sustained minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the accident and have reported no signs of drugs or alcohol contributing to the crash.
Construction Worker Killed in School Bus Accident Near Kokomo, Indiana
Kokomo, Indiana — A construction worker was tragically killed on October 6, 2023, after being struck by a school bus at an intersection east of Kokomo. The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 22 and County Road 400 East.
Details of the Accident
The construction worker, identified as Aaron Esparza, a 31-year-old resident of Logansport, was directing traffic in a construction zone when the crash occurred. He was standing near the intersection when the accident happened.
The school bus, which was traveling northbound on County Road 400 East, was driven by Tara D. Lopez, a 35-year-old woman from Kokomo. According to reports, Lopez was transporting eight students from the Northwestern School Corporation. The bus was crossing State Road 22 at the time of the collision.
The vehicle involved in the crash included a gray 2008 Dodge Ram truck, driven by 72-year-old Rolland Brent Mcquiston from Windfall, Indiana. Mcquiston was traveling eastbound on State Road 22 when his truck collided with the school bus on its driver’s side.
Sequence of Events
The collision resulted in the school bus striking Esparza, who was standing close to the roadway. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly but were unable to save Esparza, as he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Howard County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death.
Fortunately, despite the severity of the collision, all eight children aboard the bus were unharmed. The bus driver, Lopez, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Investigation and Authorities’ Findings
Indiana State Police conducted an investigation into the incident. Authorities reported that there is no evidence to suggest that alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. The circumstances indicate that the collision was an accident involving the vehicles at the intersection.
Reactions and School District Response
The Northwestern School Corporation expressed deep sadness over the incident. The district extended its condolences to Esparza’s family and announced that counseling services would be made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and emergency responders to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Background and Context
The incident near Kokomo highlights the dangers faced by construction workers and motorists at active work zones. Temporary traffic control zones require vigilance from all drivers to prevent accidents. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities continue to gather information to understand better how the collision occurred.
This tragic event underscores the importance of road safety, especially in work zones, where vehicles and personnel operate in close proximity. Authorities remind drivers to exercise caution, follow posted signals, and remain alert, particularly in areas with ongoing construction.
As investigators work to determine the precise circumstances of the crash, the community mourns the loss of Aaron Esparza, whose life was unexpectedly cut short in a tragic accident on a routine workday.
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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
