Milton- Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a school bus and a pickup truck.  The crash occurred this morning at approximately 7:48 a.m. on SR 5 approximately 2 miles south of Milton.

A 1989 Ford pickup operated by Alfred Prater, 50, of Millsboro, was traveling southbound on SR 5.  A 1997 Chevy school bus, operated by James Duncan, 72, of Milford, was traveling northbound on SR 5.  For an unknown reason the pickup crossed over the centerline into the northbound lane and struck the school bus head-on.  Mr. Prater, who had not been wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Mr. Duncan was treated at Beebe Medical Center and did not have any apparent injuries.

13 students of Sussex Tech High School occupied the school bus. Five students were transported to Beebe Medical Center, and five students were transported to Nanticoke Hospital.  Three students refused treatment and were taken to school.  Of the five that went to Beebe, two had minor injuries, and three did not have any apparent injuries.  Of the five that went to Nanticoke, four were treated for minor injuries, and one did not have any apparent injuries.