SCHOOL BUS CRASH REPORTS 2007

Durham Skateboarder Struck by Bus Still in Critical Condition
May 29, 2007

DURHAM — The 14-year-old Oyster River High School freshman who was struck by a school bus while riding a skateboard on Coe Drive Saturday remains at Boston Children's Hospital in critical condition, police say.

The boy, whose name has not been released, was airlifted to Boston from Portsmouth Regional Hospital hours after the accident, according to Durham Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley.

Kelley said the teenager was skateboarding along with three others on Coe Drive toward the high school. A school bus, operated by 61-year-old Oyster River Cooperative School District employee Orrin G. Hakey, of Stratham, was traveling behind the teenagers. As Hakey attempted to pass the skateboarders, one of the side mirrors on the bus struck the 14-year-old in the head.

The teenager was not wearing a helmet and sustained serious head injuries as a result of the accident, Kelley said.

The accident occurred at about 6:40 p.m. The empty bus was returning from a sporting event, police said.

Kelley said the crash remains under investigation. There are no indications Hakey was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The school bus has been impounded and will be examined to make sure it was in proper mechanical condition.

"As soon as the entire investigation is complete we will review it," Kelley said.

Additional counseling is available at the high school today and safe areas have been identified where students can go if "they just don't feel like they can handle things," said Principal Laura Rogers. She said a statement containing the facts of the accident has been distributed to students and faculty.

top