News

Topsham school bus driver dies after suffering medical event on way to school

Topsham school bus driver dies after suffering medical event on way to school

Photo: clipart.com


TOPSHAM, Maine (AP) Students steered a Maine school bus to safety on Monday after the vehicle’s driver suffered a fatal medical event.

The interim superintendent of Maine School Administrative District 75 said driver Arthur McDougall, 77, of Lisbon was transported to a hospital on Monday morning and died. The bus was carrying 14 middle and high school students when McDougall collapsed at the wheel, Topsham police told the Portland Press Herald.

Two students helped steer the bus to the side of the road and applied brakes as another student tried to administer first aid, the Press Herald reported.

The bus went off the road and came to a stop on an embankment. A student then called 911 for help while others got off the bus and flagged down traffic, the Press Herald reported.

Topsham Police Chief Marc Hagan said the department “would like to thank, and recognize, all of those who took deliberate action to save lives.” Local emergency responders took over the scene when they arrived, Hagan said.

No students were injured. Another bus arrived and took them to school.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Local

Aroostook County Democrat is Latest Candidate to Run for Sen. Collins Seat

Fresh

He becomes the eighth Democratic candidate to oppose Collins

9 hours ago in Local

Collins, King Vote for Failed Plan to Block Govt Shutdown

Senator King notably broke with Democrats, whom he typically sides with, to back the spending plan.

9 hours ago in Local

Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Whale, Bird Parts

The man was investigated as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Operation Raw Deal.

12 hours ago in Local

Anthem requests extension of deadline as negotiations with Northern Light stall

A spokesperson for Anthem insurance says the company has requested that Northern Light Health extend a deadline for reimbursement negotiations.

12 hours ago in Local

Lockdown lifted at SMCC in South Portland after police respond to person in crisis

A lockdown and shelter-in-place order has been lifted at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland.